I have a tendency to shy away from films that rely too heavily on sophomoric humor. I wasn't even a big fan of the National Lampoon movies that were halfway decent (like Vacation and the many sequels). But every once in a while, cheap laughs are a nice diversion. Throw in some 80s flavor and you just might get my attention.
Hot Tub Time Machine is a stupid concept. Some Russian Red Bull knock-off (which contains an allegedly illegal substance) gums up the electronics of a hot tub, sending four guys back to the 80s. The hot tub is located at a lame resort that used to be "the spot." The group (three best friends along with a younger relative) ends up transported to 1986 in the middle of Winterfest. Worried about the "Butterfly Effect", they attempt to relive a particular night from their youth. But fate has something else in mind and the Universe turns, changing the future.
The writing has serious plot holes that are never reconciled. The character development is a bit forced and the dialogue is typical for this type of movie. My enjoyment of the film basically came down to the cheap laughs it gave me. It was pretty funny, although it wasn't funny enough to make it a classic. In fact, some of the humor was disgusting visual humor. The film tried to be Something About Mary in the visual gags, which failed for me. However, some of the contrived situations were actually funny. The humor also spoofed the 80s, which was kind of fun. The feel of the 80s was adequately captured, although it seemed a bit stereotypical in the rendering. Overall, the story was interesting but not original. Funny but not hysterical, and lacked continuity at times. Not bad for the genre. Not great, either.
John Cusack picks some great roles and ends up in some loser roles. In Hot Tub Time Machine, he has a loser role. This film probably paid some bills, but it's not a film he will be remembered for. Having said that, his performances are always decent at a minimum. He was a definite bright spot in this film. Clark Duke was also pretty good as the slacker teen who hasn't been born yet at the point in the past where they arrive. Craig Robinson was tolerable. Rob Corddry was forgettable. The casting was okay, with one superstar anchoring a cast of varied talent.
Hot Tub Time Machine was rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America. The rating was wisely applied for the gratuitous sex scenes and nudity. The visual humor was generally disgusting adult humor. If your idea of funny is crap covered car keys or a face covered with liquid soap mimicking ejaculation, then you will like the visual gags. While I thought the written humor was funny, the sight gags were nasty. There was plenty of adult content in this film, enough that I would recommend at least a mid-teen audience.
Hot Tub Time Machine was okay. It was not good enough to recommend and not bad enough to warn against. It was middle-of-the-road mediocre. The written and situational humor had some funny moments. The 80s stuff was definitely cool. The acting was a mixed bag, but good overall. There were plot holes, but the concept was campy enough to be cool. Stupid, but original. I have to go with the mildest recommendation possible. 5.5/10. Good if you are otherwise bored to tears.