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Groundhog day without any of the charm or comedy
posted by aholejonesSTAFFMOD on July 17, 2020 at 8:55 PM
This movie seems to have a pretty decent review score here and on that other notorious movie site. In fact on the other site there seemed to be a whole lot of 9-10 votes. Personally I just don't get it. Found it to be a very mediocre movie following the old 'Groundhog day' formula with very little originality. The two leads seemed to have very little chemistry and altogether the whole movie seems to lack any sort of charm that you could find in 'Groundhog day'. The comedy parts also seemed very lackluster and the only thing I got from this movie was a slight chuckle at some scene I already forgot what it was about. In fact that Tom Cruise movie "Edge of Tomorrow" had better comedy than this movie.
Reply by bratface
on July 18, 2020 at 6:54 AM
I tried watching it about a week ago (even though I'm not a big Samberg fan) because of some reviews but was put off by the opening scene.
Reply by Benedict
on July 27, 2020 at 7:42 PM
I disagree. Once the opening act is passed (which I concede, minus the brilliant dance scene is mostly too crass and charmless), they really do share a lot of chemistry and I laughed a lot. It's definitely a film where you have to accept that it's ridiculous and unoriginal, and take it on those terms, but then it's just a whole lot of fun and silliness, which is entirely what you expect from an Andy Samberg movie.
Reply by JustinJackFlash
on April 17, 2021 at 1:06 AM
I assume the scene Bratface is referring to is right at the start when Andy Sanberg has his happy time. But I thought even the opening act that you refer to was great. The way everything was happening so smoothly for him and then it clicks and you realize he's already been in the loop was a well written and clever spin on the concept, a nice way to begin.
Thought the film was very likable and I'm very much not a Sanberg fan. I had to turn Hot Rod off halfway through. This is a film that has no business being great. But it is.
Reply by MongoLloyd
on April 17, 2021 at 9:29 AM
Sh!t sandwich.
Reply by Daddie0
on October 6, 2021 at 2:11 PM
OK Jack...I'll have to let that go! For all the times I've seen you on here, I can't imagine anyone not liking HotRod...it's a quotable cult classic in my circles! ;)
Reply by Daddie0
on October 6, 2021 at 2:12 PM
The film was self-aware enough to know it's similarity to Ground Hog Day...but this film--somehow--goes so much deeper (and darker). It really works on many levels...like @JustinJackFlash said: "No business being great. But it is."
Reply by JustinJackFlash
on October 7, 2021 at 12:36 AM
Sorry, dude. Just didn't find it to be my cup of cocoa. I have heard other people recommend it to me so I know people like it, but for me it just wasn't my brand of silly comedy. I found it like Billy Madison. Just one of those films where the main character walks round making silly noises. I never liked Happy Gilmore either, which many seem to love. I thought it was just people falling over or Sandler getting angry over and over again.
There are silly comedies that I do like. But I guess comedy is very subjective.
Reply by Daddie0
on October 13, 2021 at 4:07 PM
Honestly, it wasn't even a Sanberg thing for me (although I do tend to enjoy nearly everything he's in), but it was the film itself...the ensemble, the ridiculous story arc, the way it was shot...and, it's just stupid quotable. BTW, I have no need for you to like it, nor am I trying to convince you otherwise, I totally respect your opinion. I was just being silly with my comment. I am not a huge fan of those other comedies you reference, although I have seen them. Hot Rod just has a special place for me! :)