Review of Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (2015) by Maksim B — 01 May 2015

A belated sequel to a relatively funny and passable comedy, Hot Tub Time Machine 2 is a disappointing attempt to repeat the success of its predecessor. Indeed, funny, wild and noisy, the second installment has its hilarious moments, but unlike the original movie it lacks the charm of the 80s, the smart humor and soft touch on the typical teen-related gags (boobs, sex, alcohol, etc.) that made the 2010 original a decent comedy. With the levels of humor deteriorated to offending bi-sexual gags, Hot Tub Time Machine 2 works only as a comedy suitable for teenagers and fails to be the sequel many had hoped for.

This time the three friends (John Cusak is not starring) Lou (Rob Corddry) , Nick (Craig Robinson) and Jacob (Clark Duke ), go to the future in order to prevent Lou from being shot by a mysterious person during a decadent party he threw for his friends, family and employees. Being there and confronting with the future, the trio has to find out who tried to kill Lou while each of them tries to solve for himself the issues that have troubled them in their lives. Deciding to leave the 80s and to head for the future is the first major problem of Steve Pink's movie. The nostalgic sweetness and coolness of the 80s are replaced by a sort of vulgar future you would find nothing but the desire to go back in time.

With the most precious asset of Hot Tub Time Machine (the 80s) taken away, the humor is the only hope to have a passable comedy and it would not be fair if we say that there are not enough laughs. Certainly, there are multiple funny moments, but the gags are related to boobs, sex, sodomy and drugs, which really takes away the originality of the first movie and brings it to a level of the most R-rated comedies released nowadays.

In conclusion, Hot Tub Time Machine 2 is a disappointing sequel which lacks any female-friendliness. It would provide a so-so entertainment to those looking for cheap gags, but the viewers who liked the original movie and expected something in line with it would be unpleasantly surprised. If you are up for a rude, pointless and relatively funny idiotic comedy, you could give it a try.