JAM Reviews Hot Tub Time Machine - Blu-Ray & Digital Copy from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Hot Tub Time Machine: Blu-Ray/Digital Copy: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Review by JAM

Back to the 80s we go when the hair was big, the clothes were bright colored, and life seemed so much better. Well, it seemed so much better at least for these three guys; Adam (John Cusack), Nick (Craig Robinson), and Lou (Rob Corddry). A failed relationship, a cheating wife, and a party guy trying to end it all brings these three friends together for one last hurrah at the place where their life had so much more meaning to them in the 80s, the Kodiak Valley Ski Resort. Joined by Adam’s video game obsessed nephew Jacob (Clark Duke), they reach the summit only to realize that much like their glory days in the past, everything has now changed. Cue in a crazy party full of drinks, hot tubs, and male bonding and the world changes as they knew it.

Much like in any time-traveling movie, episode, or book, they are reminded that anything they do may affect the future. Needless to say things get messed up, yet seem to often have a way of correcting themselves. Each of them tries to better their situation, often leading to same or worse results and especially affecting Jacob who shouldn’t be there anyway. Only time will tell if they make the right decisions and make it back to a world they want to live in.

Also starring 80s icons Chevy Chase (SNL, Caddyshack), Crispin Glover (Back to the Future trilogy), and William Zabka (one of the best movie villains ever in the Karate Kid), Hot Tub Time Machine takes you on a fun romp through the past that wasn’t as good as you remember and not as bad as it could have been.

JAMS Ink on Hot Tub Time Machine

I am going to be honest. I could have lived with a little less of the language in the movie. The movie itself was a fun escape from reality filled with guys that should never have had the opportunity to change the past but struggled with the responsibilities while there. And it was fun to see a small clique of friends be able to come together and relive their good times, in fact it makes me want to make a few phone calls soon. But I just think having to have so much swearing just seemed to take something away from the movie for me. Just JAM’s honest opinion.

John Cusack is such a cool actor in the majority of his movies. Even as a down on his luck guy, he just comes off as someone that you could hang out with. Heck, even as a assassin for in Gross Pointe Blank he seemed really fun. Plus, I just realized that his love interests in the movies are some really awesome women. Kate Beckinsale in Serendipity, Rachel Weisz in Runaway Jury, Minnie Driver in Gross Pointe Blank, Catherine Zeta Jones and Julia Roberts in America’s Sweethearts, and now Lizzy Caplan in Hot Tub Time Machine.

Don’t know the name Lizzy Caplan? She was on one of this reviewers favorite “chick clique” shows called Related (yes, this review is written by a man, but the show still rocked). It was a well done family dramedy that was a lot of fun to watch and starred Lizzy, Jennifer Esposito, Kiele Sanchez, and Laura Breckenbridge as four sisters trying to make their way through life, and I thought it was really good. Unfortunately I guess the ratings did not agree. If you ever get the chance to see an episode though, I would recommend it.

EXTRAS

Blu-ray Special Features:
Disc One:
• Deleted Scenes
• Theatrical Trailer
• Theatrical Promotional Spots
o Production: Acting Like Idiots
o Chevy Chase: The Nicest Guy in Hollywood
o Totally Radical Outfits: Dayna Pink
o Crispin Glover: One Armed Bellhop
Disc Two:
• Digital Copy of unrated version of Hot Tub Time Machine

DVD Special Features
• Deleted Scenes
• Theatrical Trailer

Digital copies rock! It gave me the chance to watch the movie on my free time before I was able again to watch the Blu-Ray at home. Of course, watching the Blu-Ray gave me the chance to check out the deleted scenes, some of which definitely belonged on the floor. The good ones included a crazy scene with Chevy Chase when the guys are about to go back and a scene in which Lou discusses Nick’s package as he prepares to complete a lost bet. It is not something I would normally want to watch, but I was dying laughing at it. Also included are some theatrical spots describing the movie which are worth your time to check out as well.

Hot Tub Time Machine: Blu-ray& Digital Copy from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment bubbles onto shelves on June 29, 2010. Check it out for a good time, 80s style! Make sure to grab a copy before drains away.

HOT TUB TIME MACHINE
Street Date: June 29, 2010
Screen Format: Widescreen
Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Digital (BD)
English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital (DVD)
Subtitles English for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Spanish, French (BD/DVD)
U.S. Rating: R
Total Run Time: 98 minutes
Closed Captioned: Yes

Remember check out this review and more from JAM at www.hollywoodteenzine.com for teens and tweens, and at http://jammoviereviews.blogspot.com for movies of all genres and ages.