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Hot Rod
- In theaters August 3rd 2007
- Rated PG-13 for crude humor, language, some
comic drug-related and violent content
- Run Time : 88 Min
- 3.5 out of 5
Review by Nathan Chandler for The Mungles on
Movies
Although I found myself laughing several times when I
first saw the trailer for Hot Rod, I was a little skeptical
walking into the theater. In the 90's, I could have told
you all about the cast of SNL, but these days I go to
bed earlier and I can't tell you what the current cast
does on and off the set of NBC. So I was anxious to
see what new comic trends Hot Rod's cast and crew
would be able to bring to the table, and the results
were nothing short of hilarious.
In Hot Rod, self-proclaimed stuntman, Rod Kimble
(Andy Samberg), dares to perform dangerous stunts
for the glory and in honor of his deceased father.
Although his faithful and dim-witted crew stands by his
side, Rod is consistently frustrated with the lack of
respect he receives from his stepfather, Frank (Ian
McShane from Deadwood fame). When Frank falls ill
and needs a life-saving heart operation, Rod decides
to raise the money by performing a stunt that not even
Evel Knievel attempted. His sole intention with this
feat is to save Frank's life so he can finally beat him in
a fistfight. Rod not only has to face huge flames and
ramps to achieve this goal, but also the fear of love
and rejection from those closest to him.
Regardless of the thin plot, I believe Hot Rod will
become the Billy Madison or Tommy Boy of this
younger generation. This movie takes on the
YouTube mindset of quick wit and physical comedy to
capture its audience. The plot supports the jokes
rather than the other way around. Usually this would
make for a bad movie, but most of the jokes are truly
hilarious, no matter how little sense they may make.
Andy Samberg carries the movie like a seasoned
comedic pro and his crew, consisting of actors Jorma
Taccone, Bill Hader, Danny R. McBride, and Isla
Fisher, are pitch perfect in their supporting roles. The
80's-like fashion, decor, and soundtrack made me
wonder at times if it was set in present day, but like
Napoleon Dynamite, it is trying to capture the
nostalgia of those times with its quirky humor and
randomness.
An older generation may not catch on to some of the
jokes, but if you want to just sit back, not think, and
laugh hard, Hot Rod is the summer comedy for you. It
gains more of its PG-13 rating for its over-the-top
comic violence than its sex-related humor and
language. If you have enjoyed any other SNL-related
film before, Hot Rod's slapstick antics will be a warm
welcome. I give Hot Rod 3.5 out of 5 bottle-nosed
dolphins.
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Nathan Chandler is a video producer and editor who
lives in the heart of Dallas. He has a knack for making
awesome mix CDs and has a vast knowledge for
movie trivia. When Nathan isn't writing or producing
short films on the side, he is wishing he was on
Survivor, rooting for the Cowboys, or making sweet tea
runs to Chick-fil-a. You can reach Nathan at his blog.
Nathan also co-hosts The Film Alcove Podcast. Check it out!
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