Hot Tub Time Machine hits the bull’s-eye: it’s a rude, crude comedy with enough smarts and emotional sweetness to make it completely entertaining. Seeking to bring some youthful optimism back to their failed, miserable lives, three middle-aged guys–Adam (John Cusack), Nick (Craig Robinson), and Lou (Rob Corddry)–go to a mountain resort where they spent some of their wildest days (reluctantly dragging along Adam’s nephew, Jacob, played by newcomer Clark Duke). A drunken accident in the titular hot tub sends them swirling back to 1986, where each of them decides to risk changing the future (and possibly erasing Jacob from existence) by doing things just a little differently. A plot summary doesn’t capture the movie’s rambunctious, daffy spirit as much as… well, the ridiculous title: this is a movie called Hot Tub Time Machine! Any expectation you may have will be met and surpassed. John Cusack delivers another underplayed yet marvelously funny performance, his best since High Fidelity; Clark Duke, from the TV show Greek, proves a promising young comic talent. But the movie really belongs to Robinson and Corddry, who’ve been floating around the edges of tons of comedies–some have been good, some have been bad, but they’ve both been consistently funny even in crappy movies. Hot Tub Time Machine gives them center stage and lets them reveal the comic chaos they can deliver. It helps, but is not necessary, to have lived through the ’80s to find Hot Tub Time Machine exquisitely silly.

Studio: MGM
Year: 2010
Release Date: June 29, 2010
Run time: 99 minutes
Rating: PG-13

Audio: DTS-HD MA lossless 5.1 mix
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Disc Spec: 1 BD50/1 DVD
Region: A

Four downtrodden, depressing friends get together for a wild male weekend full of cavorting and camaraderie at a ski resort. This ski resort is special because it’s where three of them had some of the most memorable experiences of their lives in the 80′s, and the trip is meant to reinvigorate youthful momentum and break adult monotony. Unfortunately, the resort is now in shambles, not nearly what they remember, and depressing as hell. Not what they expected. When the four decide to obnoxiously drunk in a hot tub, you know what happens next: They are transported back to their debaucherous and exciting 20-something lives of Winterfest ’86 where they careened recklessly down the slopes, dove face first Scarface-style into mounds of drugs, and bedded bimbo ski bunnies dressed in atrociously colored yet wonderfully form-fitting 80′s attire (spandex is a privilege, not a right). The rest is side-splitting comedy, as the foursome must make every attempt to make their way “Back to the Future” while possibly righting past wrongs.

The main cast (John Cusack, Craig Robinson, Rob Corddry, Clarke Duke) is perfect together. Tons of chemistry. The supporting cast is just as good: Chevy Chase is the aloof hot tub repairman; William Zabka is the same character William Zabka always plays; and Crispin Glover is the oddball, one-armed* bellhop (a great touch considering his McFly roots in Back to the Future). It’s just too bad they couldn’t find a bit role for Michael J. Fox. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the FACT that Rob Corddry absolutely steals every scene.

With 80′s references to pop-culture, music, fashion, politics, and everything else, the movie is packed full of hilarity. When Robinson gets onstage to relive his musical glory days, I defy you not to bob your head and snicker at his “new” song. When Corddry wakes up hungover in the hot tub and says hello to a squirrel in his own special way, there is no way you don’t laugh. And the “gag” joke between Zabka and Corddry is epic. With the exception of the awkward insertion of a new love interest for John Cusack – a subplot never fully developed – the entire film is a compounded running joke that will evoke great memories for those who are fond of the era, mixed with various forms of laugh out loud comedy. Add in an awesome soundtrack and a predictable yet completely fulfilling twist ending (it’s the ultimate what if we all imagine if we were allowed to time travel), and this movie is easily the most enjoyable of the year. While not quite on par with the cult status Hangover deserves, this film is very comparable, quotable, and hilarious.
Movie Content: 9/10

Print/Audio Quality

The print is presented in 1080p/MPEG-4 with a 2.85:1 aspect ratio. The print actually looks stunning with a very nice looking color palette that pops. There are a lot of rich colors like reds, blacks, and yellows. There are some subtle hints of grain in the print, but not as noticeable. Colors are vibrant throughout the entire film. Blacks are deep which result in some very good details. Once the guys go back to the 80′s, the film looks very good switching a bit in styles to fit the 80′s as if we were there once again.
Video Quality: 9/10

The audio is presented in DTS-HD MA lossless 5.1 mix. The soundfield is spectacular for this film as it presents a a great sense of atmosphere. The 80′s songs from the soundtrack sound so crisp in the soundfield. The panning effects across the rears add to the atmosphere as if you were in a concert setting. Dialogue is crystal clear and crisp through the center channel..
Audio Quality: 9/10

Special Features

  • Deleted Scenes
  • Theatrical Promotion Spot
  • Production: Acting Like Idiots
  • Chevy Chase: The Nicest Guy in Hollywood
  • Totally Radical Outfits: Dayna Pink
  • Crispin Glover: One Armed Bellhop
  • Theatrical Trailer

Special Features: 7/10

Final Thoughts

This is a great, funny comedy that keeps you laughing and on the edge of your seat. This is different than most comedies out there right now. John Cusack, again, has another great movie under his belt. I highly recommend this film if you are looking for a very good comedy.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10