HOT ROD

PARAMOUNT

RELEASED 28 September 2007

Rod (Andy Samberg) is always attempting stunts, usually on his weedy motorbike, in the vain hope of one day emulating his dead father, the test stunt-rider for the legendary Evel Knievel. The first stunt we see is an attempt to jump the local outdoor swimming pool. Rod doesn’t even make it halfway. He’s a pretty bad stuntman, but he tries. When his stepdad (Ian McShane) develops a crippling heart condition, Rod makes it his goal to raise the $50,000 needed for the operation, just so he can get the opportunity to beat his dad once in a fair fight. Yes, that’s right, they fight, and it’s brutal stuff. And Rod always loses.

Set today, but with a comical reliance on 80’s poodle-rock music and references to 80’s movies (Karate Kid, Goonies), there are some funny moments in this 88 minute movie. Every stunt Rod attempts is entertaining, and his dim friends simply look funny. Ian McShane is awesome as the sick dad, but otherwise the film struggles plot-wise. ‘Hot Rod’ would’ve worked much better as a half-hour TV special.

TWO OUT OF FIVE