Two of the main criticisms of the second Trailer Park Boys film, Countdown to Liquor Day are that is isn’t funny enough and that there is not sufficient closure for the franchise. With regards to the former, it is true that the film does not match the laugh per minute ratio of the X-Mas Special or seasons one to four. With regards to the latter, I disagree. Now I will spoil the plot because I don’t have enough artistic criticism of the film. It doesn’t really operate on that level of sophistication anyways.
The plot is not much to speak of, requiring a thorough suspension of disbelief like The Big Dirty (or any episode of the show I suppose). It is neither rife with humour nor drama; I suppose the creators had somewhat exhausted the premise. However, I think it more than adequately completes the character arcs that were started in the first season (and the prequel holiday episode). Randy, who was friends with Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles as they grew up, leaves Mr. Leahy and rejoins his old friends. Mr. Leahy finally completes his fall from grace and seems to experience a type of catharsis; no longer a police officer or a person of authority at the park, he enjoys an empty victory over his long-time foes.
The protagonists go for jail for a while but they show that even those who may appear morally reprehensible are capable of doing good deeds. Julian chose to forgo an easy escape in order to help Leahy. Ricky doesn’t quite get his diploma but realizes that Grade 12 is in his heart. Bubbles sets up a date with someone who enjoys kitties as much as himself. And it appears that J-Roc may make it. Not a great film but a fitting end to the series. *½