Hot Tub Time Machine
Ok so travelling back in time has become a staple for comedy movies since Marty hitched a ride in a Deloren and tried to save himself and his parents wedding (adding a whole heap of mummy issues to boot.) It’s also been a premise in dramas, novels, fantasy movies and more: allowing the character to head back in time in order to stop a fateful death or impending war. Sometimes, it’s a villainous mission as an entirely nude Arnie gruffly hunts down John O’Conner. Sometimes it’s Wolverine, trying to convince a Bruce Robertson-esque Xavier that he needs to unite the X-Men.
Sometimes it’s a snorting bunch of middle aged men who are trying to cheer up there friend, and one nephew. Oh, and the time machine is a hot tub.
In the most ridiculous premise in the world, Hot Tub Time Machine has somehow roped John Cussack into its fold and it is glorious to watch! Also starring Rob Corddry and Craig Robinson, Hot Tub Time Machine is based around four friends who want to relive their best weekend after they believe one of them has attempted suicide. When they accidentally break a Hot Tub, they are sent back in time to the 80’s the literally relive that weekend as well as face the demons of the future. Can they learn their lessons and get back into the future in time?
Why Is It Bad?
Oh god, it comes from that family of comedy movies that would rather assault you visually and aurally with sex jokes, drug jokes and drunken hijinks. It offers no solid or brilliant comedy for you to sink your teeth in but rather slams the gas on testosterone, filling it with tits and sex. It also bends the space time continuum, making no sense on how they can go back in time and effectively change their future in such a dramatic way. Some of it should really be a fixed point, unable to be altered and sure Adam should not exist anyway? See! It’s a ridiculous mess.
Why Is It Good?
I don’t know what it is. Perhaps it is the pull of the goofball humour that appeals to my misogynistic side. Maybe it’s the sly movie references such as George McFly actor Crispin Glover playing a one handed bell-boy. But the large enjoyment is down to our actors. Craig Robinson is the king of dead pan one liners (including a hilarious title speaking moment is just an example.) John Cussack is always stellar but it is really the work of Rob Corddry that pulls you in. His party boy antics that soon dissolve into this emotional mess is quite powerfully done. You don’t want to like Lou, but you can’t help feel endeared to him.
While it isn’t stuff of Shakespeare, it is enjoyable and watchable especially with the early appearance of fan-girl favourite Sebastian Stan. Hot Tub Time Machine: It’s a mouthful to say, a farce too watch but damn it, you’ll have a good time.