Review
Gross humor keeps film entertaining
April 1, 2010
“Hot Tub Time Machine” is one of those films like “Dude Where’s my Car?” and “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” in the sense that you can’t expect much going into it, especially with a title like that. It wasn’t bad, but then again it wasn’t too great either. If you’re looking for a good laugh, it’s certainly worth seeing, although there is a bit too much grossout humor for my taste. It’s one of those movies that you can respect, because it doesn’t take itself seriously at all, and it shouldn’t.
It was fun and exciting to watch these outlandish characters embark on an even more outlandish trip through time. Some of the characters and storylines within the film were a bit far fetched, but that didn’t bring it down too much, as the entire concept of the film is far fetched. I found John Cusack’s love interest a little too cheesy, and Rob Corddry’s character was a bit too disgusting and annoying at times.
I found most of the film hilarious and entertaining. Crispin Glover was one of my favorite characters, who brought some of the funniest moments in the film without even having a starring role. Clark Duke did well as the one serious character in the film, trying to keep the friends together. I especially enjoyed Chevy Chase’s small appearance as the mysterious hot tub technician.
The movie was very fun and colorful as it was a flashback to the 80’s. The characters struggle to reenact the same things, good and terrible, that happened to them. For the most part, they find that, in general, things would end up pretty much the same, regardless of small changes in their past. But they also make big changes by being brave enough to do things that they wouldn’t do when they were younger. I thought it had a pretty good message, although most of us don’t have the chance to go back in time and change things.
I enjoyed this film, having completely missed the 80’s, but I’m sure people who grew up in the 80’s would’ve certainly appreciated the references and flashback. This is a film that definitely most men would enjoy, and also women with a high-tolerance for gross out humor. It wasn’t amazing and I didn’t expect it to be. “Hot Tub Time Machine” is simply meant to be a fun and hilarious and ridiculous trip through time. Just sit back, relax, and let the hot tub take you away!
Natalie Conrad is a junior journalism and marketing communications major and French minor. She enjoys running,reading, writing, playing guitar, and traveling.