Andy Samberg Stars in "Hot Rod"

Ten minutes having passed, its time for another movie release starring a cast member from "Saturday Night Live." This time around, its 'SNL's' Andy Samberg making the leap to the big screen in "Hot Rod."

Samberg, whose most popular SNL bits have included the internet sensations "Lazy Sunday" and "Dick in a Box" (with Justin Timberlake), brings his loveable nice-guy persona to the role of Rod Kimble, a young, terribly terrible local stuntman. Kimble shares his home with his devoted brother Kevin (Jorma Taccone), loving mother Marie (Sissy Spacek) and tough stepfather Frank, played by "Deadwood's" Ian McShane.

Samberg and McShane's stepson / stepfather relationship has them engaging in knockdown - drag out fights on a regular basis, with our title hero always coming out worse for the wear. Samberg's Rob takes it on as his goal in life to one day beat the crap out of Frank and, in doing so, win his respect. Those plans take a turn when Rod learns of his stepfather's fatal heart condition and the need for a transplant, an operation that the family cannot afford.

Just when you think that "Sicko's" Michael Moore should come in to take the family to France for some free healthcare, an inspiration comes to Samberg. The stuntman sets out to raise the needed money with a huge promotional stunt. Once the funds are raised, Frank can get his new heart and recover enough for Rod to kick his ass once and for all and earn his elusive respect. Along for the ride as "Team Rod" are Danny McBride, fellow "SNL" castmate Bill Hader, and Isla Fisher as Samberg's attractive and already attached neighbor.

Andy's Samberg's goofball likability lends itself perfectly to the part and with a respectable supporting cast, its clear that this is his movie. With a script written by Pam Brady (a former "South Park" writer and producer), many of the laughs in the film come from moments of awkward humor and play like a slapstick "Napoleon Dynamite."

To be honest, I wasn't expecting much at all going in to "Hot Rod," but it really wasn't half-bad...and I do recommend it.

Not only was this a fairly good movie, but its among the best films this year featuring current SNL cast members or alumni. Consider Eddie Murphy in "Norbit," Chris Rock in "I Think I love My Wife," and Adam Sandler in 'Chuck and Larry.' Aside from Murphy and Mike Meyers in "Shrek 3," "Hot Rod" is the SNL high watermark this year. And just a warning for you...later this year, there's gonna be a Jimmy Fallon movie. Wait, it gets worse...its a drama...co-starring Tom Arnold. I know, I know. I wish someone could tell me how some of these people get work.