The unfortunate thing both for the makers of Hot Tub Time Machine and for the distributor itself is that MGM was in financial crisis when it came time to market the film.  This film could have been a good money-maker for MGM in a real time of need, but it simply wasn’t marketed as it should have been.  There was no buzz, no advertising, no use of word-of-mouth enthusiasm for the film.  I am an avid film-goer and never heard a word nor saw a single trailer for the thing.  One day, entering the theater, I saw a silly poster with a ridiculous title starring John Cusack and wasn’t interested in the least.  It wasn’t until a friend gave a strong recommendation that I decided to rent the DVD.  Much laughter ensued.

Hot Tub Time Machine is in the family of Suberbad, The Hangover, and other comedies that have been gangbusters at the box office in recent years; it’s all about a funny ensemble of committed actors kicking around sometimes-crude, sometimes-dark, inappropriate humor that’s funny as hell to 20-40 males (who compose one of the largest segments of the film-going market).

Director Steve Pink cashes in his success with British humor (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) and tries his hand at a more American sensibility.  He proves that his comedic genius is of a global determination.  Josh Heald, Sean Anders & John Morris’ screenplay is nimble and frenetic in its pace, carving unique characters into fresh comedic scenarios that (assuming you’re willing to suspend your disbelief and buy that spilling a cocktail into the controls of a hot tub can turn it into a time machine) work to drive the narrative forward with humanity and constant good pacing.

The cast is incredible!  While John Cusack headlines, he’s the least of the reasons why the film is successful; he does the same schtick he’s been doing since 1980.  It works, though; he’s the straight man in the film - and the rest of the ensemble play off him and carry the humor.  Rob Corddry’s shallow and petulant Lou drives the comedic end, while Clark Duke as the geeky sci-fi kid delivers his lines with earnest conviction, and Craig Robinson brings his usual expectation-bending humor to Nick.  Lyndsey Fonseca’s blue eyes pop quirky charm from Jenny - the 80s woman who’s a couple of decades ahead of her time.

I’m not sure many women will find Hot Tub Time Machine, or that younger teenagers will (its sense of humor is a bit too 30s-based), but bring a few of your guy friends together for beers or a bong and hop in the time machine; you’re sure to laugh your ass off.