I have not read the novel, but I read good things about the film, so I rented it a while back. I found it to be hilarious, with nonstop, side-splitting banter between the two leads throughout. The DVD commentary is very good too, as the cast deconstructs the deconstruction of the non-film within a film, if you get my meaning.
I have not seen Coogan's other work, so I can not say if this role is typical for him. Rob Brydon is a master of sly comic timing, he really holds his own with Coogan. I plan to seek out more of their work. The humor is very British, and may not be to all tastes. Far, far better than what passes for comedy in the US these days (except "Beerfest"). Give it a try, but pay close attention, the jokes fly by quickly.
I have not seen Coogan's other work, so I can not say if this role is typical for him. Rob Brydon is a master of sly comic timing, he really holds his own with Coogan. I plan to seek out more of their work. The humor is very British, and may not be to all tastes. Far, far better than what passes for comedy in the US these days (except "Beerfest"). Give it a try, but pay close attention, the jokes fly by quickly.