Review: 'Hot Tub Time Machine' is very stupid but also extremely snarky fun

Hot Tub Time Machine   R

            Sometimes the previews to a movie sell it short. This was one of those times. Hot Tub Time Machine is the story of three friends and a nephew who are transported through time from 2010 to 1986 via a time machine, which just happens to be a hot tub. Gross out jokes are common in this decade, and the story has plenty of them, from an amazing projectile vomit gag to a bathroom facial scene that makes the 'hair gel' one in 'Something about Mary' look like a quick giggle fart joke. The flick certainly is loud and uncompromising, and the chemistry makes it, not the wacky script which sometimes doesn't make any sense. These adult losers, little over 40 something, and their 24 year old nephew, transport back when big hair and weird colorful leg warmers were in, and ski resort comedies were like, cool and stuff. Actually it is worth a rental for those of you who are from the 80s and recall some of the styles, which the producers got right, probably by consulting with their guests stars, Chevy Chase and Crispin Glover. The real cast are pretty new and not a list stars. Sure the drinking and drug use is really exaggerated and the premise is weak, but what nostalgia comedy isn't? This would have fit as a 'Meatballs' sequel back in the day. Yes and really the previews were stupid. Don't base this one on the previews. If you were there in the 80s, you might get a kick out of seeing it. Oh and John Cusack is a list, but the others aren't, sort of. Well ya get the idea. 
Review by Adam Browne