Thanks for checking out our Hot Tub Time Machine review.
Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Steve Pink
Staring: John Cusack, Clark Duke, Craig Robinson, Rob Corddry, Crispin Glover, Chevy Chase
Released: March 26, 2010
THE GENERAL IDEA
When three old friends (and a nephew) who have lost touch with each other – and their own lives – get together to relive the glory days at a party ski resort they find themselves in a Hot Tub and spill a Russian Energy Drink (Chernoblee) on the control panel transporting them back into their younger selves.
Trying not to trigger a butterfly effect and screwing with time, they attempt to relive the weekend and start to realize their party weekend wasn’t as glamourous as they thought.
THE GOOD
There is a LOT of laughs in this film. This ensemble of guys work so well off each other and they are a funny bunch of guys.
The 80s era presented in the film is realistic and not some neon glossy image of what it was. As someone who spent his teenage years in the 80s I can tell you that it wasn’t like living in a Duran Duran video. But the outfits, the hair and makeup and the music were certainly 80s and it really took me back.
The cameos are great. Even William Zabka makes an appearance (Sweep the Leg Johnny! That guy.) and even little bits like the 16 Candles nod sitting on the counter and kissing. Crispin Glover is far more than a cameo – but even his most famous character McFly is referenced in conversation.
And the pop culture references are even more real. While they are trying to figure out what’s going on, they refer to their extensive knowledge of time travel which includes Ashton Kutcher’s (who they call Ashton Coat Check) Butterfly Effect, Back to the Future, Time Cop and Terminator.
THE BAD
The movie railroads you into the plot a little too quickly. We know what the movie is going to be about because of the trailers, but that doesn’t mean we just gloss over the setup. It takes away from the character development.
There were a few gags that I thought didn’t play out so well, so its not pure laughs, but it does keep you amused. Chevy Chase was completely wasted. He plays the Hot Tub Repair man who knows about the time travel and serves as “the guide” who just shows up, deliberately says something cryptic and leaves. So wasted.
The supporting cast is mostly forgettable and aside from Crispin Glover none of them matter. I know the movie isn’t about them, but when I can’t remember the main adversary (Ski Patrol jerk) name then I guess he really wasn’t at all important.
OVERALL
The movie was funny. And at the end of the day no matter what else it does, if it makes you laugh then it succeeds. There are some predictable parts, and some jokes that didn’t fly as well as they could (like all of Chevy Chase’s scenes) but it did manage to entertain with enough gags and nostalgia (that you don’t have to be 40 to appreciate) and a lot of laughs.
The movie made me stop and think about what it would be like if I could go back to the 80s, and while it sounds like a good idea, I couldnt live without my cellphone or the internet or debit cards.
I give Hot Tub Time Machine a 6 out of 10
