Hot Tub Time Machine 2

Hot Tub Time Machine 2, released in 2015, is a science fiction comedy directed by Steve Pink. This film is a sequel to the 2010 blockbuster, Hot Tub Time Machine, and continues the adventures of the same main characters, retaining the stellar comic timing of stars Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, and Clark Duke.

This film, like its predecessor, focuses on a fantastical plot device – you guessed it, a hot tub that doubles as a time machine. From the outset, the writers set a rapid pace for the narrative, instilling the surreal and humorous situations that one could expect from such a scenario. This combination of absurdity and humor underpins the movie, creating a backdrop that feels like a psychedelic rollercoaster ride through time.

Hot Tub Time Machine 2 presents a slightly different perspective on the notion of 'time travel' and 'altering the past.' Instead of going back to the past, as they did in the first installment, this time around, the heroes are catapulted into the future. However, this is not simply a journey of discovery. A distinct element of a murder mystery is also woven into the plotline. While the storyline leans heavily into comedic sketches and outlandish scenarios, it still presents enough twists to keep the audience on their toes.

The film once again centers on the character of Lou Dorchen (played by Rob Corddry), Nick Webber (played by Craig Robinson), and Jacob Dorchen (played by Clark Duke). Lou, in this sequel, is now a "father of the internet," due to his manipulation of history (a direct result of the first movie's antics). Nick, on the other hand, has become a successful music producer by shamelessly stealing song ideas from the future. Lastly, Jacob, Lou's son, struggles to find his own path amidst his father's chaotic lifestyle.

The lives of the central characters take a dramatic turn, and their serene existence is disrupted when Lou is shot by an unknown assailant during a party. In a desperate bid to find the culprit and prevent Lou's murder, the trio decides to dive back into their 'magical' hot tub. However, instead of catapulting them back to the past, the hot tub takes them ten years into the future.

The movie uses this futuristic backdrop to stage a series of hilarious misadventures involving our heroes, always with a humorously critical eye on pop culture and our societal conventions. A myriad of potential future advances and changes are cleverly lampooned, utilizing rapid-fire comedic dialogue and visual scenarios designed to elicit laughter.

The performers portray their characters with a blend of humor and earnestness that keeps the audience hooked. Corddry takes the center stage as the crass and unapologetic Lou, delivering his lines with gusto and impeccable comic timing. Craig Robinson perfectly emulates the character of Nick - adding emotional depth to the character while maintaining the comedic tone of the movie. Clark Duke, as Jacob, provides a more restrained and 'straight man' role, effectively balancing out the outrageousness of the other two lead characters.

Hot Tub Time Machine 2 has moments of hilarity, and despite its sci-fi trapping, it firmly grounds itself in the realm of absurd comedy. Its humor largely depends on the dynamic between the three principal characters, and although the film ventures into the realm of crass comedy, it often does so with a sort of self-awareness that makes it more palatable.

The movie also parodies various aspects of the science fiction genre, mining the trope of time travel for some pretty audacious and funny sequences. The director, Steve Pink, does a commendable job in maintaining the brisk pace, replete with fast-paced jokes and a medley of hilarious misadventures, leaving you chuckling and occasionally, laughing out loud.

Ideal for viewers with a penchant for quirky, high-spirited, and somewhat audacious comedy films, Hot Tub Time Machine 2 delivers an entertaining romp through time. Between the eccentric plot, tight humor, and colorful characters, it's a film that's designed to entertain without taking itself too seriously.