Movie Review : Hot Tub Time Machine

Author: Izarrudin
Category: Movies
108 page views

Tuesday
Jul 13,2010

This is a silly titled movie, so watch it with fun in mind and don’t be too critical of it. I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy the movie very much. Hot Tub Time Machine, how crude and corny does that sound for a movie title yet it’s filled with warmth of friendship between four friends.

The plot involves four guys who are completely bored with their adult, working lives. We have Adam (Cusack), recently divorced and stuck with his couch-potato nephew, Jacob (Duke). Then there’s Nick (Robinson), a has-been singer who now dislodges stuck objects from dogs’ rear-ends. Finally, and in the worst shape of all, is Lou (Corddry), a down-and-out drunk who really yearns for the good old days.

In an attempt to recapture past magic, the four head to a ski resort that was party central back in the 80’s. While relaxing in their suite’s hot tub, an energy drink splashes on the dials. Like that, they’re in 1986 and dealing with past girlfriends, fights, and an array of other events that shaped their lives. It’s raunchier than could ever be described.

Stating that this film contains crude humor is like saying that mid-80s hair bands were big. Be prepared for projectile vomiting and some of the rudest sex jokes this side of Zach and Miri Make a Porno. But there’s some screamingly funny bits, the best one involving Crispin Glover’s bellboy and his arm. And no time travel comedy would be complete without one character’s corporeal being looking like it may vaporize forever unless somehow the space/time continuum is preserved.

The actors work well off of each other, each one allowed a small dip into his own storyline. In particular, young Jacob’s growing confidence is deftly handled by Clark Duke. Cusack gives us a likeable lead, Robinson has some very funny moments but Corrdry is a mixed bag, sometimes hysterical, sometimes in need of a muzzle and a Valium.

This is a hyped-up hair-fest, as good-humored a homage to the outrageous ’80s as anything we’ve seen previously. There’s a hint of underlying sadness to this lost grown-up boys’ piece, a wish for roads not taken, opportunities missed. But only a hint; the third act plows full speed ahead as we would hope, ending in a fitting, laugh-out loud finale. Have fun watching!

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Official Movie Poster
Movie Review : Hot Tub Time Machine

Singapore Date: 15th July 2010
Language: English
Running Time: 100 mins
Rating: M18
Genre: Comedy | Sci-Fi
Tagline: Kick Some Past
Starring: Lyndsy Fonseca, Clark Duke, Craig Robinson, Rob Corddry, Chevy Chase
Directed by: Steve Pink
Company: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Singapore Distributor: Cathay-keris Films
iZone Rating:

7/10

Official Website :
Hot Tub Time Machine

Movie Trailer