Hot Rod: Does it Land the Laughs?

Hot Rod wasn't a movie I was burning rubber to go see, and the reasons why were indeed a presence in the flick, but yet there was more things as well.

Hot Rod was directed by Akiva Schaffer a writer for Saturday Night Live and the screenplay was worked on by Pam Brady who has done lots of work with the South Park guys. The movie stars Andy Samberg of Saturday Night Live and di%$#k in a box fame. Isla Fischer, Will Arnett, Jorma Taccone, Bill Hader, Danny R. McBride, Ian McShane, and even Sissy Spacek are on board for support.

The plot for Hot Rod is the reason I did not go to the theatre to catch it. I figured it would be just another one of those generic comedy life lesson things pulled from a hat. You know the ones, where someone needs to raise money to save something else while finding himself along the way. I was right on that aspect: Hot Rod is about a guy named Rod who needs to raise $50,000 to get his step-father a heart transplant, and on top of that he must grow into his own skin some to win over the romantic interest; who naturally already has a boyfriend that is evil and not right for her. Rod is a wannabe Evil Knievel with his moped and a crew of wacky friends helping him crash time and time again.

However, just because the basic plot was one of those seen a million time before it doesn't mean it was pulled off exactly the same. He wants to save the step-father so that he can beat him to death. There seemed to be a little bit of a sly wink towards that cheesy plot from the writer and all involved knowing what the were making. The movie is full of 80's hair band like ballads, dancing, and non-stop complete nonsense. To make a long review short:

This movie is funny.

Fans of films like Anchorman should feel right at home putting Hot Rod in the DVD player and entering the zany world with its over-the-top characters. I chuckled many times, but if you are looking for something that takes itself serious in any way, shape, or form then stay away: this is random humor at its best. Well, actually I think Anchorman was better, but you can understand what I mean.

The plot is dull, yet toyed with, and the romantic subplot is weak and unnecessary, (the lead Rod isn't believable as the type to end up with the girl), however: if you need a laugh this should do the trick at least once during its course of play.