Hot Rod

Starring: Andy Samberg, Isla Fisher, Bill Hader, Danny McBride, Sissy Spacek, Ian McShane, Will Arnett, Chris Parnell
Directed by: Akiva Schaffer
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
2007

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: An amateur stuntman (Andy Samberg) decides to jump 15 school buses in a stunt to raise money for his stepfather's (Ian McShane) surgery. The only problem is that his stuntman abilities exist mostly in his mind.

Review:

Tim: This is a comedy that isn't incredibly funny, but it actually tries really, really hard. Because of the sheer amount of effort that goes into this movie, it is more easily forgivable for its faults. While I start out saying this, I also need to mention that there are a number of laugh-out-loud scenes. For a movie that overall isn't incredibly humorous, this movie did make me laugh quite a bit. The entire film has such a lighthearted, easy-going feel that it is hard not to like it.

Andy Samberg does a very good job as Rod. He is such a goofy, funny guy. He is surprisingly enjoyable to watch on screen. Similar to Will Ferrell's man-child, Samberg is funny because of how juvenile and silly he is. I think the best casting choice of the film was Isla Fisher. I have been increasingly impressed with her, and she gives another great performance here. Movies are just better with her in them, and this film certainly takes advantage of that. Ian McShane is enjoyable as well, and he obviously takes great joy out of his role.

The movie's biggest flaws are when it strays too far into the ridiculous. Much of the movie skirts this line carefully, and gets some huge laughs when it tip-toes along it. However, the movie ultimately has too many silly scenes for its own good. It collapses under its own weight. Luckily, along the way, there are some very funny scenes. I have to mention the 80s dance in the forest and the subsequent fall. I watched this scene three times- it is so, so funny.

Hot Rod is severely flawed, but it also makes for some very good comedy. I shouldn't have liked it as much as I did, even though I wasn't overly impressed. Still, the movie is harmless, and I can recommend seeing it.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6.5



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