In the world of Hollywood filmmaking, there are a few unspoken rules about making a successful film. One of the first rules of this is: do not take your movie too seriously. This part seems simple enough but time and time again, a film will have one too many slow motion montages with a woodwind-themed score in the background trying to tug at your heartstrings, when what really happens is it causes an eye roll, the silent snicker, and an immediate dismissal from that point forward that this movie could be valid and worth your time. Moviegoers are becoming more sharp about this and do not get fooled easily. But sometimes, by some strange stroke of luck and certain stars aligning in a far off galaxy, a film takes itself so lighthearted because even they know the premise is so outlandish, that the film works and people love it. With a proper balance of complete plot lunacy and the film’s unashamed self-aware attitude, Hot Tub Time Machine is one of those chosen films that has found that magical spot.

Adam (John Cusack) a rule follower, Nick (Craig Robinson) an almost music star, and Lou (Rob Corddy) a crazy and often a super jerk guy, were the best of friends in the 80’s and knew how to live up life as though every moment was a party. Sadly, they have all become distant from one another and their lives are full of “what if’s” and “if only’s”. One night Lou is mistaken for his idiocy for attempting suicide and so the doctor tells Adam and Nick (the only two who even answer the hospital’s call that something has happened) that he needs to relax and have fun and try to enjoy living again. So the guys along with Adam’s introvert nephew, Jacob (Clark Duke), decide to go back to their old stomping grounds; a ski resort called Kodiak Falls. When they arrive, the town is definitely out of its glory years. With nothing better to do, the guys use the hot tub and it gets short circuited, which causes the men to go back to 1986, the week of Winter fest. They have been given two options: either do everything the exact same and let life play out, or take hold of their destiny and change things a bit.

Despite such an absurd plot packed with questions about time travel that are never answered, this film handles the insanity in such a way that you don’t even care. Whatever natural questions would arise are covered up with jokes and fast, vulgar banter. This might sound bad but boy do they know how to do it! Each and every one of the actors in this film portrays their characters wonderfully and are all given times to shine. The title of the movie alone lets you know what you’re in for and while some of the jokes are low brow and slapstick, this movie makes it work so that all members of the audience can enjoy it. The only major issue with the film is the fact that jokes came fast, but a little too fast. When the audience is laughing at a quip, someone else says something funny right after them and the audience misses it. That piece of timing hinders it from letting people get every humorous part and line in it.

It is rated R for strong crude and sexual content, nudity, drug use and pervasive language. There are many moments that are created just for sheer shock factor and squirm inducing, so this film is definitely not for anyone under 16 just yet. The drug content is not too gratuitous and it is always done in a comedic fashion, which depending on your view of the subject makes it more or less harmful for younger viewers to watch. The language is on a level that only the likes of Tarintino himself know completely. It became a little tedious and grinding to hear them so often. I would recommend this film to anyone who likes to laugh and is willing to turn their brain off for 108 minutes, because trust me- it is very much worth it.

I give Hot Tub Time Machine four out of five jerry curls. While so many films struggle to not be too serious, the lackadaisical attitude of the insane plot make this film one of those special gems that you have to see if you want to be in the loop of current pop culture.