Rod Kimble, an amateur daredevil and stuntman-played by Andy Samberg's tooth gap-prepares to jump 15 buses (breaking the record of Evel Kenievel) in order to raise $50,000 for his stepfather's surgery. Rod is accompanied by his group of friends, including his stepbrother Kevin-played by Jorma Taccone's adorable face-team manager/videographer; Dave-played by Bill Hader's hair-mechanic; and Rico-played by Danny McBride's cargo shorts-he makes the ramps. Isla Fischer is there too as Denise.
On release in 2007 Hot Rod brought in just under $14M accumulated over it's entire run, and on a $25M budget, it was considered a box office failure. Along with the defeat of operation fiscal jackhammer, the film was met with mixed reviews. In an interview with Paper Magazine Andy Samberg spoke on the matter "The movies I've always liked, comedy-wise -- Billy Madison, The Jerk -- always got terrible reviews. When our reviews came in, it was like, 'Oh, we're right on track.'" Despite its initial shortcomings, Hot Rod has successfully made its way into cult following status, complete with devoted fans and even the praise of casual viewers. This shift in public opinion primarily happened after the film released to home video and the years following.
It is not uncommon for movies to take years, sometimes decades to find their footing. In my humble opinion this is due to a change in audience. Theater-goers and at-home watchers expect different things. In the theaters we want to see something new and incredible. We invested our money, time, and social meter to attend a film, and expect to see something that allows us to sound more intelligent than we are when discussing it later, "the CG was immaculate, really cutting edge, a leader in the industry." When watching a movie at home, what we want is...Hot Rod. So why does it work?
Hot Rod is a simple film. Rod wants to save his dying stepfather by jumping 15 buses so that he can live long enough for Rod to beat him up once and for all. If you are someone who can't un-clench and live a little you may not enjoy it. It makes no sense and means nothing and that's the best part. There is nothing to understand and everything to enjoy. Along the same lines, it is quotable to the high heavens.
Setting your film in the 80s gets you nostalgia points (whether the audience was alive in the 80s or not), and creates a fun atmosphere. The performances in Hot Rod are commendable, particularly Jonathan-played by Will Arnett's hairline-who provides a great foil to the others and who I would happily listen to yell "No! Babe wait!" for the rest of eternity. All elements combined makes Hot Rod an entertaining, re-watchable film.
Four out of Five bottle nose dolphin souls.
Sources:
Swerdloff, A. (2007, September 28). Man-child in the Promised Land. Paper Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.papermag.com/man-child-in-the-promised-land-1425341599.html
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