Review of Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (2015) by Thequietgamer — 21 Aug 2015

There was no reason for a sequel to Hot Tub Time Machine. There wasn't any conceivable place for the plot to go. This movie just proves that. There isn't really a plot here at all. Just a stupid concept that is lifelessly dragged around so that the writer(s) could try to make a few jokes and cash in on the first movie. None of that would have mattered though had this movie been funny. It's not.

To be honest usually comedies like this are right up my alley. Unfortunately the jokes here are lifeless outside of a few amusing one-liners. The rest of the comedy is just a bunch of overly stupid, over the top, and obscene gags that have been used before, but have never been funny. It just feels like it is trying too hard. Usually that makes for comedies that aren't funny, but strangely and mindlessly watchable despite themselves. However that isn't the case here. This comedy kills itself by crossing the line, and when I say crossing the line, I men it really crosses the line. Forcing two characters into a situation that involves one raping the other isn't funny. It's demented, sick, disturbing, and just plain dark and revolting. It's things like that which kill this movie.

What we have here is a pointless and revolting sequel that doesn't capture any of the magic of it's predecessor. If I'm being honest, while funny and enjoyable, the first Hot Tub Time Machine was far from art. It was a vulgar, occasionally disgusting comedy that was saved partly due to it's tale of friendship and second chances. This sequel is missing that element. For instance, Rob Corddry's character "Lou" (who takes up the role as centerpiece for this comedy due to the strange non-inclusion of John Cusack) is a selfish jerk that was made strangely endearing in the first movie due to his desire to change and reconnect with friends. Where is that here? In this movie he is just mean and downright evil at times.

It's that missing element that helps really kill this movie. What we are left with is a mean and hollow comedy. One almost completely devoid of laughs and due to some horrific content in the form of disturbing "jokes," should not be viewed by anyone. It's trash and you are better off skipping it. I will give the movie one bit of credit though. The actors here do give it their all. They are convincing despite the material. Talent like that deserves a better film.

I give this movie a 2.6/10.