Hot Tub Time Machine just shouldn't work on any level but it really does. From the title of the film onwards, this is a film that is happy to absolutely deny its own credibility at every moment and it is really funny for it.

Three middle aged friends whose lives are falling apart decide to head back to the ski lodge mountain resort where they enjoyed their best moments during their teenage years, Adam (John Cusack), Nick (Craig Robinson) and Lou (Rob Corddry) are joined by Adam's geeky nephew Jacob (Clark Duke) who Adam feels really needs to live in the real world more.
On arriving at the ski resort they realise that some faces are the same but that this buzzing metropolis of debauchery is now a dying relic. Gutted with their continued failure they open some beers (And some strange Russian energy drinks) and try out the time machine. Following a fairly heavy night they wake up in the resort with their teenage faces and bodies but current personalities.
What follows is a mockery of everything that could have been perceived as cool in the 80's, the clothes the hair, the music, everything is parodied, however whilst reliving the best days (for most of them) of their lives, the guys contemplate whether this really was their golden era or whether they have more to live for than they possibly believe.

My View:
This is a quality film, at first I was a bit disgusted that Cusack, an actor who generally guarantees quality films was associated with this, but I get it, like Grossepoint Blank (Which I believe was directed by the same guy), this is a low budget indie film that film loves should love. Cusack is the calm anchor of the film, he is funny and knowing whilst being a man on a downward trajectory, Craig Robinson follows up good work in 'The Office' and 'Eastbound and Down' with a great comedic performance, my favourite moment of his is when he raps to the crowds and works in a couple of modern classics. However the two real stars of the film are Clark Duke as Jacob a kid who many would say is the next 'Jonah Hill' a slightly overweight geeky kid with a line in fast remarks and comedic timing, he is a stand out alongside the excellent Rob Corddry who plays Lou, the ultimate loser, his performance is low rent and seedy and utterly compelling, he makes himself utterly dislikeable but with a chance of redemption.

The film has some excellent set pieces as well as some great music and acting, it is a slow burner and has some laugh out loud moments, it is gross and there is nudity but underlying this is a smart script, shrewd direction and some killer acting which really sets it apart from other films of this genre, Crispin Glover deserves a special shout out for a quality performance, the latest in a long line of quirky performances. If you like films about hot tubs, films about time machines, or films with fruity language that would make your nan blush this is for you, if not, then I think American Pie are making episode 26 sometime soon.

Please be aware this is a film only review and some of the language and scenes are absolutely for over 18's only.

Favourite Quotes:

Lou: It's called male bonding okay. Haven't you even seen 'Wild Hogs'?

Nick: It must be some kind of hot tub time machine... (As he makes a deadpan face into camera)