Hey, everyone. ”Moriarty” here. So the other day, I ran a review from a New York based spy named “Bungion Boy” about HOT ROD. These two reviews were sent in as a direct response to that one. Personally, I’m not sure what to expect from this film, but I know I just saw a pretty great stunt-oriented comedy recently called THE DEVIL DARED ME TO that probably cost 1/10th what this film did, and HOT ROD’s going to have to be fucking amazing to top that film in my estimation. There was also a trailer that showed up, and I’ll say this much for it: that first stunt has to be CGI, and it’s pretty great as a finished effect. Looks real, and it looks real painful.
Here's the HD teaser trailer for "Hot Rod," starring Andy Samberg from "Saturday Night Live." Matt McDaniel Yahoo! Movies
Okay. So you’ve seen the trailer. Now check out this first review:
Hey Moriarty, I recently read the Hot Rod review by Bungion Boy and felt compelled to write in for the first time. My name is Susan and I live in NYC and was lucky enough to go to the same screening that Bungion Boy went to. I thought the movie was incredible and felt that it was wrong that AICN readers would only read his review without hearing another opinion. I don't know if you post just anyone's review but I really liked the movie and really disagreed with some of Bungion Boy's "points" he made. First off, before the screening it was announced that what we were about to see was a rough cut of Hot Rod, with temp music and effects. The movie started with an awesome failed stunt that looked great to me (Bungion Boy thought it had bad special effects, but isn't that what the announcement told us were temp? It seems unfair to judge effects on an unfinished movie). I don't want to spoil anything else, so I'll just talk in general... Hot Rod is ridiculous from begining to end in the best possible way. It is absurdity at it's finest. Anyone who liked Billy Madison, Wet Hot American Summer, or Anchorman, will love it. There are so many funny scenes and sequences in the movie that I wish I could share, but I wouldn't dare ruin anyone else's experience. I agree with Bungion Boy that people looking for in depth characters should not look at Hot Rod. But people looking to laugh their asses off and have fun should fandango immediately. Everyone in the movie is awesome as well. Andy Samberg, Bill Hader, Isla Fisher, are all great. And Will Arnett, although only in the movie for four scenes, is hilarious in all of them. Oh, and Chris Parnell is really funny when he shows up in the last 1/3 of the film. Moriarty, to answer your question about why the reviewers aren't as satisfied as the should be, my only guess is this: When a movie as original, off-beat, and absurd as Hot Rod comes out, sometimes it takes people a little time to catch up to the style of it (ie: Big Labowski). I believe it will be remembered as a classic . And finally, just to address one last part of Bungion Boy's review, he wrote of the "8 montages" where I counted just 2. There was no "training montage" that I saw, there was no "falling montage" (there wasn't even music in that part). There was just an earning money montage and a passing out flyers montage (that was so short you could hardly call it a montage). Also, the music in the whole movie as probably my favorite part (if you like 80's/90's music). Anyway, if you're like me and like funny, inventive, cool, awesome, kick-ass movies, then you'll like Hot Rod. Thanks, Susan
Okay. Keep in mind, many of the reviews we’ve gotten up till now have been disappointed. Middling. But that was positively beaming, eh? Hmmm. How about this one, which showed up at pretty much the same time as the one above? Again. In specific response to Bungion Boy’s well-written, well-reasoned reaction. Hmmm.
Hey Mori, I just finished reading the Hot Rod review you posted earlier. I really don't think that guy gave the flick enough credit. I saw it about a month ago and didn't write a review, because, well, I'm lazy. That said, I'm feeling inspired. I really, really liked this movie, and have talked it up to anyone who would listen. Easily the funniest movie I've seen this year (of course, that's a matter of taste) and one of my personal favorites thus far. I've been describing the movie as the love-child of "Napoleon Dynamite" and "Wet Hot American Summer". If these two movies were to meet, chat for a while, have sex, and produce a child, that child would be "Hot Rod". And it would be a very funny child. "Rod" has his mother's looks ("Napoleon") and his father's ("Wet Hot") sense of humor. Of course, it you're the kind of person who hates the sort of off-the-wall, absurdist humor that a movie like "Wet Hot" revels in, then perhaps this is not the movie for you. Its been said already, but this movie involves a wannabe stuntman named Rod who dreams of greater glory. When he learns that his step-father needs $50,000 for a heart transplant, he steps up and vows to raise the money. His motivation is questionable, as he only wants his step-father to live so he can beat him up later (they don't get along) but his heart is in the right place. Of course there's a girl involved as well, and Isla Fisher fills the role nicely. She looks great up there and works well with the rest of the cast. The plot isn't great, in fact, I'd say its the weakest aspect of the film, but its really just a big excuse to tell some really great jokes. And there are some really great jokes. This flick is absolutely overflowing with ridiculous humor. At the screening, there were people complaining that certain things that happen in this move could never happen in real life...Well, yeah, that's kind of the point. I'd hate to be the guy who ruins the jokes, so I won't, but I'll just say that Ebenezer Scrooge makes an appearance and its both as wonderful and silly as it sounds. 80's references abound, including a truly amazing montage sequence. Now, on to the cast: Andy Samberg, he of SNL digital short fame, plays the lead here, and he really steps up. He takes hold of the movie and keeps you into it the entire time. He's got a certain energy on screen that is often missing in comedies and its just really fun to watch him. He's joined by fellow SNL members Jorma Taccone (SNL writer) and Bill Hader (cast). Jorma plays Andy's weakling brother and Hader takes on the dumb friend role. Both guys excel. They're joined by one more guy, Danny McBride, who rounds out the trio. All three provide solid support, but Andy's the star and that's reflected in the movie. Then there's Isla Fisher. I already mentioned her, but why not once more? She's beautiful and has good chemistry with Samberg. Finally, there's Ian McShane as the step-father. I only really know him from "Deadwood", so it was strange to see him in such a different role. It looks like he's having a good time though and the fights he has with Andy are pretty great. Okay, that's all I got. I just felt like this was a movie that deserved a good review. I hope everyone checks it out when it comes out. You won't be disappointed! -Insert Cool Name
