Nobody who knows me could believe that I wanted to see this film on opening day. Thankfully, I wasn't able to persuade any of them to see it with me so I don't owe anyone an apology. I appreciate smart farces, and because I have enjoyed other bromances like "The Hangover", "I Love You, Man", and even "Leaving Sarah Marshall", I had every reason to expect I'd enjoy "Hot Tub Time Machine". The positive review in today's Tallahassee Democrat along with IMDb's user reviews boosted my expectations, but I'm not blaming anyone but myself...and maybe Steve Pink. Writers Josh Heald and Sean Anders should each dope slap each other.
The premise is nothing new. Wacky time travel to the high water mark of late adolescent hedonism and hormones takes us smack dab into the mid-eighties. The cultural remnants are fun but not enough to sustain the momentum of the film's ridiculous schtick. There are lots of grody takes and tons of chemical excess interlaced with running gags and absurd couplings. If this were a recurring satirical bit on SNL, it might be amusing, but "Hot Tub Time Machine" dissolved into tedium about twenty minutes in.
Rob Cordry, Craig Robinson, and (big sigh) John Cusack all performed adequately. Clark Duke was effective and the most convincing of the actors. I almost believed his goofy gamer geek along for the crazy ride. Chevy Chase's role was annoying and unnecessary. Female roles were also incidental and mostly one-dimensional...forgettable for the most part.
As producer, John Cusack has broken my heart. Totally.
The premise is nothing new. Wacky time travel to the high water mark of late adolescent hedonism and hormones takes us smack dab into the mid-eighties. The cultural remnants are fun but not enough to sustain the momentum of the film's ridiculous schtick. There are lots of grody takes and tons of chemical excess interlaced with running gags and absurd couplings. If this were a recurring satirical bit on SNL, it might be amusing, but "Hot Tub Time Machine" dissolved into tedium about twenty minutes in.
Rob Cordry, Craig Robinson, and (big sigh) John Cusack all performed adequately. Clark Duke was effective and the most convincing of the actors. I almost believed his goofy gamer geek along for the crazy ride. Chevy Chase's role was annoying and unnecessary. Female roles were also incidental and mostly one-dimensional...forgettable for the most part.
As producer, John Cusack has broken my heart. Totally.