It is not evident to any of the men exactly where they are at first, but they soon discover an opportunity to experience memories long buried.
At the heart of the film are various familiar elements, time traveling and male bonding. When Adam (John Cusack), Nick (Craig Robinson) , Lou (Rob Corddry) and Jacob (Clark Duke) attempt to understand the device, Robinson's Nick glares at the camera and says “It's some kind of hot tub time machine.” His unflinching glare and stoic expression deliver a clear message from the film makers. The film is undiluted fun and everyone knows it.
This ability to both poke fun at the premise and other films with time travel film plot device is what makes “Hot Tub Time Machine” enjoyable. The film makers and the audience are familiar with the trappings of a time travel plot dos and don'ts. The film makers invites the audience to take part in the time travel gags. There are numerous references to a variety of 80's films, popular musicians and trends.
John Cusack plays a much more likable character than in his “2012” outing. His performance is filled with variety. He is disgruntled, sympathetic and writes poetry. At one point, he dons a strangely familiar trench coat highly reminiscent in appearance of his trench coat from his 1989 film “Say Anything.” He never rolls down the sleeves but the homage is welcomed.
Craig Robinson's delivery is unmatched when it comes to comic timing and facial expressions. Robinson is a great addition to the cast. The actor sells each scene magnificently.
But the real lead in the film has been deceptively marginalized in the film's ad campaign. Rob Corddry as Lou provides the stories catalyst and is the heart of the picture. For the film to succeed Corddry needed to be able to provide not only a lively deranged character but also a believable hero. Corddry may have delivered his best performance so far, outwitting all of his previous efforts and proving he isn't simply a comedian capable of only silly faces.
Crispin Glover plays a very minor role as a one armed bell boy. Glover is best known for his role as the elder George McFly from the “Back to the Future” trilogy. For this film Glover drops any pretension of geekdom. Glover adopts an acting range from creepy to creepy but kind. His character pops up at just the right moments, providing some of the funniest scenes for the film.
All the lead characters of “Hot Tub Time Machine” has something to find in themselves. Cusack's Adam is hopelessly lost when it comes to finding lasting love. Robinson's Nick must come to terms with his self-denials. Corddry's Lou must overcome his failure to grasp a meaningful existence. For a film built on a premise of entire fun, “Hot Tub Time Machine” delivers a wealth of meaning.
“Hot Tub Time Machine” asks what is commitment? Not just in terms of adherence to space time continuity but to your friends. What matters more, friends or your own self interest? The characters are realized through their selfish motivations. When individualism fails and friendship makes the save, the film begins to truly shine.
There are morals points to “Hot Tub Time Machine,” but it never feels too soft. It feels real, heavy handed and masculine.
The film never tries to be funny because it simply is funny. For a comedy to succeed in making audiences laugh at the numerous gags and keep the plot coherent is amazing. Audiences will fall over and laugh at even the most absurd of situations. A scene with Corddry and Robinson in a bathroom comes to mind.
Some of “Hot Tub Time Machine's” most humorous moments are of the more raunchy variety. So be prepared to be shocked at various points.
A couple of plot points is an easy guess, but for the most part “Hot Tub Time Machine” never does exactly what the audience expects. It is this pleasant sense of real surprise that gives the film a true value. It is non-formulaic and freely analyzes some classic time travel films.
There is a lesson learned in “Hot Tub Time Machine,” one involving the value of true friendship and bitter honesty. It is a hopeful, delightful film that fans of Rated-R comedies should not miss. And yes, I liked it better than “The Hangover.”
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