Movie Reviewed: Hot Tub Time Machine
Directed By: Steve Pink
Starring: John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, and Clark Duke
Rated: R
Runtime: 98 minutes
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

My first thought was John Cusak, star of the action adventure film 2012, what happened? Hot Tub Time Machine? Just a thought of a film with that title is unappealing right? Go ahead. Admit it. The title alone is a repellent, so stupid that just the notion of telling someone that you are going to see a film called “Hot Tub Time Machine” is not a sane prospect!




Though us film critics are charged to enter into the theatre with an open mind, based solely on the title and the promotional trailers, I hesitantly attended the studio screening of this film with an expectation of ninety minutes of stupid, stupid and more stupid film content. Yes, this film is silly, but it is also surprisingly funny, suspenseful, and action packed.

Adam (John Cusak) and Nick (Craig Robinson) and young Jacob (Clark Duke) unite to support Lou (Rob Corddry); an obnoxious alcoholic and rude frienemy in need. Lou needs cheering so the men returned to an old vacation spot to conjure up new memories. But after a night of hot tub partying, the men find themselves back in 1986.

Incredible skiing, beat-downs and suspense serve up as the action in “Hot Tub”, yet it is creativity that rules this journey. Most amazing is director Steve Pink‘s ability to take every over the top comedy gag like sex, vomit, urination, and even dismemberment and make it hilarious. Going back in time includes, clothes, hair, music, behavior and world events.
“Hot Tub Time Machine” is the type of film which evokes continuous, natural, and sometime sinister laughter, as you stroll down memory lane.

Since a young Cusak began his career in 80‘s films like “Sixteen Candles”, “Better Off Dead” and “Say Anything” going back was a “literal” time travel event for the actor. Though a headliner for “Hot Tub Time Machine” Cusak may be the leader of the motley pack, but the film belongs to Rob Corddry. “What Happens in Vegas” and “W” featured Corddry, but not like this! In hot tub we get to experience Corddry‘s many faucets; angry, bitter greedy drunk, lonely friend, raging lover and a man of action and intelligence, and in every persona Corddry is engaging.