Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) Directed by Steve Pink. Starring John Cusack, Rob Corddry and Craig Robinson. HTTM is one of the unsung comedies of the last decade. I’ve re-watched it more than any other film of the last five years (except for possibly The Social Network) and I still haven’t grown tired of it. I think it’s funnier than The Hangover but pushed to the curb by most audiences. Still my love for the movie continues to grow. Here are my 5 Favorite Things about Hot Tub Time Machine:
5. “Great White Buffalo” and other unexplained insiders: A comedy’s script, specifically lines of dialogue, is one of it’s most essential components. There has to be funny nuggets of quotable material or ultimately the movie will fall out of consciousness. HTTM is packed to the brim with quotable dialogue and one of my favorite running gags in the film is the repeated and unexplained inside jokes. To make the three older leads: Adam, Nick and Lou, seem like real former BFFs they constantly exchange past memories and seemingly random phrases with one another which are never fully explained to the audience or to the young tag along Jacob.
4. The Guy In The Bear Costume: I know this seems like a super specific addition to the list but have you seen the guy? That looks like the coolest party bear ever. He shows up inexplicably during a the Hot Tub Time Travelin’ Montage and parties with our four leads. He’s only seen a time or two after that but I have to imagine his inclusion stretched beyond the random humor card and into a nod to The Shining.
3. The 80’s Throwback Cameos: One of the best things about this film is its awareness of its subject. Obviously the film is silly, but the 1980’s nostalgia aspect is always played for the right kind of laughs, instead of being used as a gimmick. Sure there are fun references to cassette players and also bully characters named Blane, but what seals the deal is the inclusion of some of my favorite 80’s actors. Billy Zabka, the bully for The Karate Kid shows up as Rick, Chevy Chases plays a hilariously ambiguous Hot Tub repairman, and of course Crispin Glover is great as the unlucky bellhop.
2. The Star potential of Craig Robinson and Clark Duke: Beyond the silly lines in the films, it’s other biggest win goes to the chemistry of the cast. The four guys hadn’t met before the table read but it feels like they were made to make the movie together. Honestly, it feels like a film that the four wrote and made together as a passion project even though that’s far off from reality. The exciting casting for me is the inclusion of supporting dudes Craig Robinson and Clark Duke. Both have had funny, memorable roles in films like Knocked Up, Pineapple Express, Sex Drive and Kick Ass but here in HTTM they shine all on their own. The prove to be real treats on screen and completely ready to take over future comedic roles.
1. Rob Cordry: With everyone in the cast on their A-Game, no one gives more laughs than Mr. Rob Cordry. RC got his start on The Daily Show and went on to appear in many other hilarious roles. But it wasn’t until Hot Tub Time Machine that I realized just how funny Cordry could be. He steals the show and gives me the most memorable moments of the movie. Now, every time I see him in anything I just get so overjoyed and hope he continues to do well.
What are some of your favorite things about Hot Tub Time Machine?