HOT TUB TIME MACHINE 2 (R)
Released by Paramount Pictures
Review by Adam Mast
The 2010 sleeper hit “Hot Tub Time Machine” didn’t exactly scream sequel, but here we are, five years later, with a follow-up that is far raunchier than its predecessor. Is it funny though? I suppose it is…to a certain degree.
There’s a hilarious bit at the end of “Back to the Future” when Marty McFly asks Doc; “What happens to us in the future, do we become assholes or something?” That question pretty much sums up what has become of Lou (an abrasive, obscene, and all together hilarious Rob Corddry) in “Hot Tub Time Machine 2”.
As this sequel opens, it’s perfectly clear that Lou has enjoyed the perks afforded to him by time travel as he’s become incredibly wealthy by way of, more or less, inventing the internet and founding a company called “Lougle”. His fame and fortune has certainly done nothing for his manners as he’s a bigger asshole than ever. Meanwhile, Nick (played by Craig Robinson) has made his mark by writing and performing popular songs before the original artists who were initially behind the tunes even have a chance to come up with them. You haven’t heard Lisa Loeb’s “Stay” until you’ve heard it performed by Nick.
Quiet and unassuming Jacob (played by Clark Duke) just appears to be going with the flow as he did in the first film. Rest assured though, this nerdy but sweet natured young man will see an entirely new side of himself before this story comes to a close. John Cusack’s character is missing in action, presumably because Cusack saw no reason to appear in the sequel. In his place though, is fourth wheel Adam (dryly played by Adam Scott)– A slightly aloof man who sets out to help our trio solve the mystery at the heart of this nutty comedy.
If Matthew Vaughn’s “Kingsman” is a send up of British spy thrillers then Steve Pink’s “Hot Tub Time Machine 2” is its time travel movie counter part. This flick freely acknowledges that it was inspired by the likes of “Back to the Future”, “Terminator”, “Looper”, “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” and even this year’s under seen gem, “Predestination”. “Hot Tub Time Machine 2” isn’t as richly detailed as “Kingsman”, nor is it in the same league as the time travel opuses that inspired it. But again, it should be noted that this is a raunchy, frat boy style comedy. Yes, there are moments of time travel creativity, but this flick doesn’t exactly have hefty ambitions. It simply sets out to make us laugh.
As juvenile, crude, and mean spirited as “Hot Tub Time Machine 2” gets, I have to admit, I did laugh pretty hard on several occasions. I just wish this flick had a little more heart. Most of that went out the window with John Cusack.
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