Review: Hot Tub Time Machine

I dedicate this review to my friend Glen, who taught me how cool Mötley Crüe was and how the ’80s really did rock.

Hot Tub Time Machine is a ridiculously funny movie reminiscent of classic ’80s flicks like Back to the Future, Bachelor Party, and Caddyshack (it also has a lot in common with early ’90s films Ski School and Ski Patrol). Let’s put it this way, if you thought The Hangover was hilarious last year, this will make the popcorn fly out of your nose as it’s even funnier.

Adam (John Cusack), Lou (Rob Corddry), and Nick (Craig Robinson) were best friends in the era of leg warmers, Ronald Reagan, and crop tops. In present time they find themselves barely speaking to each other and none of them are where they had hoped to be in life. After Lou tries to kill himself, the three decide to take a trip to the ski lodge they used to party at in the ’80s. Adam’s 20-year-old nephew Jacob (Clark Duke) tags along for the ride.

To their dismay, they arrive at the ski resort and find things to be different than they remember. For one, most of the businesses that were happening in the day have closed up shop. There is hardly anyone hanging out in the usual places and the lodge is dirty and run down. Without many options for entertainment, the four get into the hot tub in their room and party like it’s 1986. When they wake up in the morning, sure enough, it IS 1986.

The comedy in Hot Tub Time Machine is raunchy and vile, and the premise is silly. But the cast (which also includes Crispin Glover as a one-armed bellboy) and strong comedic timing by director Steve Pink make this a solid laugh-fest. And the message, which is hidden deep under the vale of jokes, is that friends are important and you need to be there for them no matter what.

With its Mötley Crüe and Poison filled soundtrack, to some of the pop culture references of the time, you’ll get a lot more out of the movie if you were a child of the ’80s. That’s not to say that if you’re just looking for a fun, check-your-brain-at-the-door time it won’t tickle your funny bone and have you in tears from laughing.

**** out of 5 stars

Rated R
Cast: John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, Clark Duke
Directed by: Steve Pink
Official Site IMDb

brian.mckechnie@citynews.rogers.com

ALSO OPENING THIS WEEK: How to Train Your Dragon, Greenberg, Chloe, Neil Young Trunk Show, The Coca-Cola Case, City Island

Top image: A scene from Hot Tub Time Machine. Courtesy MGM Studios.