I skipped Hot Tub Time Machine in theaters earlier this year. It looked a little too stupid to be enjoyable. But three things made me reconsider. First, there were the somehow lower standards to meet when watching a film through Netflix. Second, the surprisingly good remarks I heard from several people -- none praising it enthusiastically, but calling it worthwhile. And of course three, me relinquishing the higher ground for a while after seeing Piranha 3D.I won't bother with a plot synopsis; it's right there in the title, with a dash of "I Love the 80s" thrown in for good measure. The film would cast itself as a crazy romp in the mold of The Hangover, or maybe even as a "gross-out comedy," but the truth is that those elements of the film are actually among the weakest.
What works are some choice retro jokes ("Kid 'n Play is two guys, man!") and jokes that don't call so much attention to themselves (a recreation of the final scene in Sixteen Candles, for example.) What works even better is the likable cast. John Cusack is ever the charmer, even though he's taken roles in more "base" films of late. Craig Robinson (of The Office) lands some of the best jokes of the film. Rob Corddry (formerly of The Daily Show) plays a jerk to perfection. And Chevy Chase gets laughs in a small role as maybe-wise-sage, maybe-senile-nutjob.
Indeed, it's no cinematic masterpiece. But indeed, it was better than I'd originally suspected. I'd rate it a B-.
1 comment:
I really enjoyed the comedy spin on the concept of not messing up the timeline.
** spoiler alerts **
they were very careful to repeat all of their mistakes, messing up, then it all sort of works out anyway, but then right at the end they mess it up royally. it was very refreshing because usually SciFi is very serious with that type of subject matter.
the mole
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