Review: Hot Tub Time Machine 2

The best joke of Hot Tub Time Machine 2 came after the film when my friend called his wife after the film and the both joked that I should say the same thing about the film, "Luke warm, no bubbles." There is a sense permeating the film that everyone involved is kind of shocked and little bit bothered by getting to do this again. The first film was a surprise hit that rode on the troupes of a romantic comedy from the very era is often spoofed.

This time around there is no John Cusack which hurts the film more than I would have guessed. In his place is Adam Scott playing his supposed son. The film's plot loosely involved trying to solve the murder of Lou (Rob Corddry). The film also takes on a father and son bonding experience and a recommitment to marriage storyline with Craig Robinson that is hardly developed.

Really though, should Hot Tub Time Machine 2 be concerned with story? What should matter are the jokes and its here that the film falls so flat. The jokes often feel like they are missing a setup and this is where plot and humor tie together. One subplot involves a robot car that is out to kill Lou. We see the resolution but are never given enough information to understand how such a car even exists. There are several other examples of this in the film where the setup to the punchline is missing.

Similarly, the cast seems only partially on board with this film. It almost seems like they know its not going well. Adam Scott is forced to play his usual tight ass character but here it never meshes well with the existing dynamics. In the end, the movie is a strained, plotless and pointless effort.

1.5/5