Review : 

I don’t understand how Hot Rod wasn’t a bigger hit at the time of release. Most of the cast was on a hot streak on SNL in the mid to late 2010s. I’m not a big Saturday Night Live fan, but from time to time, alumni of the show go on to do some great projects. This is definitely one of the best things to come from that group of writers.

    Hot Rod is definitely one of those cult comedies. I think everything about this movie from the cheesy 80’s montages and spoofs to the ridiculous fights with Rod’s step dad are perfectly timed and don’t overdo it. That’s my main issue with a lot of the more mainstream comedy movies – they let the joke ride too long and it kills the scene. There are a few moments where the joke just doesn’t land at all, like the Chris Purnell bit towards the end of the finale. His character is a little too weird for this movie and it cost the score a few points. Aside from that, the jokes and bits in the rest of the movie are solid. There’s so many quotable lines and jokes that I use on an almost daily basis.

There’s also something familiar about the whole movie that makes it more enjoyable. The unnamed town that Hot Rod takes place in feels so mid-west and local. The characters feel like people you went to high school with. They’re the guys who never went to college that you would see at the hometown bars when you’re in town over fall break. That’s what makes Hot Rod such a good movie in my opinion – it’s relatable. I don’t have to stretch my imagination to enjoy this movie.

I only discovered this movie by accident, back when channel surfing was still a thing. I recommend this movie to every one I meet once I get a sense of their humor. It is easy to watch and the comedy isn’t overtly vulgar, like some other comedies out there. If you need a movie to watch with somebody that you sorta know and want to watch something different, this is a good choice. It’s got a little bit of something for everyone. There’s no arguing it’s a dumb movie and if somebody can’t enjoy it because of that, well then they need to focus on not being so up tight. Dumb, funny movies can be good movies and this is one of my favorites.

If you like this, check out : 

• Brooklyn Nine-Nine
  • Andy Samberg stars in this police comedy set in the 99th precinct of Brooklyn, New York.
• Pop Star : Never Stop Never Stopping 
  • Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer are the ultimate pop stars. Definitely not as “family friendly” or funny as Hot Rod, but it’s another dumb movie you can giggle at.