Hot Rod

August 4, 2007

Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 88 min Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

I like Andy Samberg, right now he’s the funniest guy on Saturday Night Live and his videos there have been great. Everything I enjoyed about Hot Rod was due to his performance, and I don’t hold him responsible for the rest. With that said, this movie is crap.

Hot Rod Rod Kimble (Andy) is a wannabe stuntman who apparently has never done a successful stunt in his life. He keeps trying though and his dimwitted “crew” is there to offer him encouragement. His one goal in life is to earn the respect of his stepdad Frank (Ian McShane), and the only way he can do that is by besting him in a fight. Unfortunately Frank has a heart condition and he’s gonna die because he can’t afford a heart transplant, depriving Rod his chance to earn his respect. Gee.. if there were only something Rod could do to earn that money…

Yeah, that’s a pretty darn flimsy plot. But hey, this is nothing more than a too-long SNL skit so it doesn’t need plot, only an excuse to go from gag to gag.

Are their funny parts? Of course! There are laugh out loud moments and many chuckles to be had during the film, but you’re gonna feel guilty for laughing at some of the groaners. The very end of the movie is quite satisfying in some primal way and the audience I was with actually clapped at the end. Clapped. Applauded. Hot Rod. Maybe it was better than I thought, but I doubt it.

If you’re a big Samberg fan go ahead and see this one. If you can get a group of friends together for dinner and drinks (lots of drinks) before showtime, then go see this movie. If you’re sober or alone, just wait for the DVD so that you can chuckle in the privacy of your home and not feel ashamed. I was planning on giving it 2 stars, but damn it all, I’m smiling as I recall some of the scenes. 3 stars, and don’t hold it against me.

Popularity: 21% [?]

Posted by John | Filed Under 3 Stars, Andy Samberg, Comedy, Ian McShane, Jorma Taccone, PG-13, Sissy Spacek, Theatrical, Will Arnett