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Hot Tub Time Machine
Theatrical release poster
Directed bySteve Pink
Screenplay by
Story byJosh Heald
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyJack N. Green
Edited by
Music byChristophe Beck
Production
companies
Distributed byMGM Distribution Co. (North America and select international territories)
Lakeshore International (International)[1]
Release date
  • March 26, 2010 (2010-03-26) (United States)
Running time
99 minutes[2]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$36 million
Box office$64.6 million

Hot Tub Time Machine is a 2010 American science fiction comedy film directed by Steve Pink and written by Josh Heald, Sean Anders, and John Morris. John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, and Clark Duke star in the film as four men who accidentally time travel back to 1986 using a hot tub and must find a way to return to 2010. The supporting cast includes Sebastian Stan, Crispin Glover, Lizzy Caplan, and Chevy Chase.

The film was released on March 26, 2010. It received positive reviews and grossing $64.6 million against a claimed budget of $36 million. A sequel, Hot Tub Time Machine 2, was released on February 20, 2015.

Plot

[edit]

Three estranged middle-aged friends—Adam Yates, a workaholic who was dumped by his girlfriend; Nick Webber-Agnew, a neglected husband who works a dead-end job; and Lou Dorchen, an alcoholic slacker—reconnect when Lou is hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning. Although Lou denies that he attempted suicide, Adam and Nick attempt to cheer him up by arranging for him to join them and Adam's socially inept nephew Jacob at Kodiak Valley Ski Resort, where the three enjoyed themselves as youths. When they arrive, they find that the town is not what it used to be, with many of the stores boarded up and the hotel run down.

While drinking in their hotel room's hot tub, the four accidentally douse the console with a Russian energy drink. The next day, they go skiing; after many strange occurrences, they realize they have accidentally traveled back to 1986. Adam, Lou, and Nick have also assumed their younger bodies, though Jacob's appearance is unchanged since he was not born yet, and he occasionally flickers in and out of reality. A cryptic repairman appears and warns them not to change anything as it might affect history. To minimize the butterfly effect, the group plans to re-enact their previous experiences: Adam has to break up with his girlfriend Jenny and get stabbed in the eye with a fork, Lou must pick a fight with and get beaten up by ski patrol bully Blaine, and Nick must have sex with a groupie and perform with his band at an open mic. They also find Kelly, Adam's sister and Jacob's mother, at the resort.

The three find their tasks difficult. Lou gets punched by Blaine and loses his backpack, but realizes he must face him again later at night, so he reluctantly challenges him again. Adam becomes attracted to Jenny again and loses the will to break up with her, but is distracted when he meets free-spirited music journalist April during a concert. Nick is concerned about cheating on his wife, even though he is yet to meet and marry her at this time. Jenny turns the tables on Adam when she initiates their breakup, but he still gets stabbed in the eye with a fork after he tries to prevent it. Severely heartbroken, he wanders around the resort alone before encountering April. They break into a house and have sex.

Meanwhile, Nick covers more upbeat music during his performance. When the repairman tells Jacob a certain chemical is the key to their time travel, Jacob realizes it was the energy drink they spilled. After the group prevents Lou from falling off a rooftop, they go to Blaine's cabin to search for the drink. Lou seduces Kelly but, when Jacob interrupts them, he suddenly vanishes. They realize that Lou is Jacob's father, and he reappears after Lou and Kelly finish conceiving him. Lou leaves Kelly to find Blaine, who he finally beats, and the four retrieve the energy drink and return to the hot tub.

Jacob and Nick enter the tub first, but Lou decides to stay in 1986, admitting to Adam that his carbon monoxide poisoning was indeed a suicide attempt. Knowing the future, he intends to make investments to become rich and have a closer relationship with Jacob. Adam wants to stay too, but Lou throws him into the vortex at the last moment.

Back in the present day, Adam, Nick, and Jacob find that Lou has changed history by creating the immensely successful company Lougle, which affords him a luxurious life with Kelly. Adam discovers that he is happily married to April, while Nick is a successful music producer married to a loving and supportive wife. They reunite at Lou's mansion with their families, satisfied with their new lives.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Steve Pink directed the film from a screenplay by Josh Heald, Sean Anders, and John Morris; Heald wrote the original story alone.[3] It was filmed primarily at the Vancouver Film Studios in Vancouver and the Fernie Alpine Resort in Fernie, British Columbia.[4] Kelvin Humenny served as the art director for the film.[5]

The first trailer and red band trailer appeared online and at Comic-Con on July 24, 2009.[6] A second red band trailer was released on January 26, 2010.[7] The film was screened for free in multiple North American cities in the weeks leading up to its release.[8][9]

On March 29, 2010, Corddry and Duke served as the guest hosts of WWE Raw to promote the film. Robinson also made an appearance via satellite.[10]

Release

[edit]

The film opened at number three with a weekend gross of $14 million in 2,754 theaters, averaging $5,091 per theater. Hot Tub Time Machine grossed $50.3 million in North America and $14.3 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $64.6 million against a claimed production budget of $36 million.[11] Unofficial sources claimed the total budget including marketing was in the $95–97 million range[12] and that the film was a financial failure in theaters.[13] It was the last film released and self-distributed theatrically by MGM due to the studio's financial difficulties, until the 2018 remake of Death Wish.

Hot Tub Time Machine was released on DVD and Blu-ray on June 29, 2010.[14] An unrated version was also released, with the Blu-ray Disc containing a digital copy.[15] Total US DVD and Blu-ray sales were estimated at $34.5 million.[16]

Reception

[edit]

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 64% of 210 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.1/10. The website's consensus reads: "Its flagrantly silly script -- and immensely likable cast -- make up for most of its flaws."[17] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 63 out of 100, based on 36 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[18] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B" on an A+ to F scale.[19]

The New York Times critic A. O. Scott stated:

The picture moves so quickly and crazily, swerving and skidding and doubling back for seconds, that minor lapses in wit are immediately overtaken by major (and therefore hilarious) lapses in taste... the undercurrent of misogyny and homophobic panic that courses through most arrested-development, guy-centric comedies these days is certainly present here. But unlike, say, The Hangover, which sweetens and sentimentalizes its man-child characters—allowing them to run wild and then run home to Mommy—Hot Tub Time Machine is honest in its coarseness and pretty tough on the fellows who are the agents and objects of its satire.[20]

Roger Ebert gave the film three stars out of four:

The bottom line is, gross-out guy comedies open twice a month, and many of them are wretched excesses. Hot Tub Time Machine, which wants nothing more than to be a screwball farce, succeeds beyond any expectations suggested by the title.[21]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Hot Tub Time Machine (Music From the Motion Picture)
Soundtrack album by
Various Artists
ReleasedMarch 23, 2010 (US)
LabelRhino Entertainment

The soundtrack for the film, officially titled Hot Tub Time Machine (Music From the Motion Picture), was released in 2010 by Rhino Entertainment. Several of the songs were sung by members of the film.

Some tracks have artists in parentheses; this is the artist who originally performed the song.
  1. "Louder Than a Bomb" – Public Enemy
  2. "Perfect Way" – Scritti Politti
  3. "The Safety Dance" (extended 12" EP remastered version) – Men Without Hats
  4. "What You Need" (Single/LP version) – INXS
  5. "Modern Love" (Single version; 2002 digital remaster) – David Bowie
  6. "I Will Dare" – The Replacements
  7. "Push It" (album version) – Salt-n-Pepa
  8. "Bring On the Dancing Horses" – Echo & the Bunnymen
  9. "Save It for Later" – The Beat (known as The English Beat in the USA)
  10. "True" – Spandau Ballet
  11. "Jessie's Girl" (Rick Springfield) – Craig Robinson
  12. "Bizarre Love Triangle" (Shep Pettibone 12" Remastered Remix) – New Order
  13. "Once in a Lifetime" (2006 Remastered version) – Talking Heads
  14. "Home Sweet Home" – Mötley Crüe (also performed by Rob Corddry during the closing credits)
  15. "Let's Get It Started" (The Black Eyed Peas) – Craig Robinson
  16. "Hero" – Enrique Iglesias
Not included in the album

The following songs were featured in the film, but not included in the soundtrack album:[22]

Sequel

[edit]
Main article: Hot Tub Time Machine 2

Although not a huge commercial success, strong home video sales prompted a sequel to Hot Tub Time Machine.[23] Corddry, Robinson, Duke, Chase, Wolfe, and Stewart all reprised their roles, while Adam Scott was an addition to the cast in the role of Adam Yates Jr., the son of Cusack's character.[24] Cusack appears in an uncredited cameo in the unrated home video release of the film.[25][26]

Released on February 20, 2015, the sequel was panned by critics and was a box-office failure, grossing less money in its entire domestic theatrical release ($12.3 million) than the original made in its opening weekend ($14 million).[27][28]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hot Tub Time Machine

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Hot Tub Time Machine is a American science fiction comedy film directed by and written by , , and John Morris. The film stars as Adam, as Lou, Craig Robinson as Nick, and as Jacob, portraying four friends in their late thirties and early forties who reunite at a after personal setbacks. Following a night of heavy drinking, they enter a malfunctioning hot tub that transports them back to , where they must navigate their younger selves' lives and attempt to change key events to salvage their futures. Produced by (MGM) with a budget of $36 million, the movie was released theatrically in the United States on March 26, . The screenplay originated from a story by Heald, with production involving key contributors like producer , who also starred and helped develop the project. Filming took place primarily in , , capturing the aesthetic through period costumes, music, and cultural references central to the film's nostalgic humor. Supporting cast includes , , and , adding to the ensemble's comedic dynamics. With a runtime of 99 minutes, the film blends raunchy comedy, time-travel tropes, and friendship themes, earning an R rating for pervasive language, sexual content, and drug use. Upon release, Hot Tub Time Machine grossed $50.3 million in and $64.8 million worldwide, achieving moderate commercial success. Critics gave it mixed reviews, with a 64% approval rating on based on 210 reviews, praising the likable cast and silly script while noting its formulaic elements. On , it scored 63 out of 100 from 36 critics, reflecting a generally positive but divided reception. The film's grew through sales and streaming, leading to a sequel, , in 2015.

Synopsis and Characters

Plot

In the present day of 2010, , a recently dumped claims adjuster, is tasked with looking after his video game-obsessed nephew while his sister is away. His old friends, the suicidal and alcoholic Dorchen and the unhappily married Nick Webber, who works a demeaning job massaging dogs at a veterinary , reunite to cheer up following his apparent by in his garage, which he claims was accidental. To relive their glory days, the group travels to the now-dilapidated Kodiak Valley Ski Resort, where they vacationed as teenagers in 1986, checking into their familiar suite at the lodge. That night, after heavy drinking, the four men soak in the suite's , where Lou spills a can of the illegal Russian Chernobly onto the control panel, causing a malfunction. The next morning, they awaken to find themselves transported back to February 1986 during the resort's Winterfest, inhabiting their teenage bodies—though Jacob, who was not yet born, appears glitchy and translucent, flickering in and out of existence. Their , now functional only as a future-knowledge device with no signal, confirms the year when Lou plays "Don't You (Forget About Me)" from 1985. A cryptic hot tub repairman warns them that to return home, they must precisely recreate the events of that weekend without altering the timeline, or risk severe consequences like erasure from . The group deduces that the hot tub functions as a time machine powered by the Chernobly, and they must follow their original paths: Adam's humiliating with his girlfriend Jenny after a accident that leaves him injured, Nick discovering his girlfriend Tara's infidelity with the sadistic leader Blaine, and Lou suffering a brutal beating from Blaine and his gang after drunkenly hitting on a girl at the bar. Despite the risks, the friends decide to seize the opportunity to improve their futures, leading to changes. , using future knowledge, avoids his accident but fails to rekindle his relationship with Jenny, who dumps him after stabbing him in the eyebrow; he instead bonds romantically with , a traveling with . Nick confronts Tara earlier about her cheating, averts his original humiliation, and performs confidently at an open-mic night, using lyrics from future hits like songs to launch a music career. Lou, reveling in the era's excess, fights back against Blaine's gang instead of being beaten, inspires a performance with a Mötley Crüe-inspired band called "Mötley Lüe," and hooks up with the girl he originally propositioned—'s sister Kelly. The group realizes Lou is Jacob's father when Jacob vanishes during their encounter; completing the hookup to conceive Jacob restores him, as he begins fading due to the timeline shift. Complications arise when their changes cause paradoxes, such as altering the incident where the bellhop Phil loses his arm to a snowmobile, allowing him to retain both arms in the future, and the group retrieves more Chernobly from Blaine's supplies to attempt a return. Lou briefly considers staying in 1986 to live out his rock star dreams, but persuades him of the value of their friendship and shared future. The four recreate enough of the original events in the hot tub with the Chernobly to return to , emerging with positive alterations to their lives while preserving the timeline's integrity. Lou has become a successful rock musician and entrepreneur, wealthy and content; is happily married to ; is a prosperous music producer with a faithful ; and , now solid, has a better sense of purpose and a relationship with his father Lou. The repairman reappears, mysteriously handing Lou a can of Chernobly, hinting at potential future adventures. Through their ordeal, the group reaffirms the importance of their lifelong bond, transforming their regrets into opportunities for growth.

Cast and Characters

The principal cast of Hot Tub Time Machine features as , a middle-aged man with depression following a recent and harboring regrets over a past injury that altered his life's trajectory. plays Lou Dorchen, a reckless with and an unbridled enthusiasm for excess. Craig Robinson portrays Nick Webber, a neglected husband who works a massaging dogs at a veterinary , facing issues in his marriage. embodies Jacob Yates, Adam's nephew and a socially awkward out of place in the setting. In supporting roles, appears as Blaine, the antagonistic ski patrol leader who clashes with the group. plays Phil Wedmaier, the eccentric involved in a memorable arm-losing incident. portrays April, a music journalist who becomes Adam's romantic interest. cameo as the Repairman, a cryptic figure who mysteriously aids the hot tub's time-travel mechanism. Notable cameos include Collette Wolfe as Kelly, who interacts briefly with the protagonists in a modern-day context, and Jake Rose as the young version of Lou, capturing the character's early wildness to tie into the time-travel narrative.

Production

Development

The screenplay for Hot Tub Time Machine originated from a pitch by Josh Heald and producer Matt Moore, drawing inspiration from 1980s ski comedies such as Better Off Dead (1985). Heald conceived the core concept during a casual conversation, envisioning a hot tub as a time travel mechanism to revisit the past, influenced by time travel tropes in films like Back to the Future (1985). Sean Anders and John Morris later rewrote the script, transforming initial drafts that centered on middle-aged characters grappling with midlife crises and regrets into a narrative where the protagonists relive a pivotal 1986 weekend in their younger bodies. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) acquired the script and developed the project, initially bringing it to , who starred as Adam and co-produced through his company alongside Grace Loh. Cusack's attachment as the lead was crucial in anchoring the film, as the script was tailored for him from an early stage to leverage his affinity for nostalgia. was brought on to direct, marking a reunion with Cusack from prior collaborations like Grosse Pointe Blank (1997), with additional producers including Matt Moore and overseeing the pre-production. The film was financed with a $36 million , reflecting MGM's in a mid- comedy amid challenges in assembling the ensemble cast around . Key conceptual decisions included setting the to to immerse the story in music, , and cultural elements, such as Cold War-era references, while balancing raunchy humor with emotional depth to explore themes of regret and second chances.

Filming and Design

Principal photography for Hot Tub Time Machine commenced on April 20, 2009, and wrapped in May 2009, capturing the film's ski resort setting primarily at in , , which doubled as the fictional Kodiak Valley Ski Resort for exterior scenes. , including key hot tub sequences, were filmed at off-site sets in the area to facilitate controlled environments for the production. The late-spring timing aligned with the resort's closure after the ski season, allowing access to the location but necessitating adjustments for the 1986 winter backdrop. Production designer Bob Ziembicki led the effort to recreate aesthetics, incorporating period-accurate props such as Walkmans, ski gear, and signage to evoke the era's vibrant, nostalgic vibe at the resort. Art directors Kelvin Humenny and Jeremy Stanbridge contributed to , building the central prop as a functional integrated into the lodge exterior, designed to support both practical filming and the film's time-travel mechanics. Dayna Pink sourced over 3,500 outfits for extras and principals from warehouses and thrift stores, emphasizing iconic elements like acid-washed jeans, shoulder-padded jackets, leg warmers, popped collars, and voluminous hairstyles to authentically capture the period's bold excess. Technical aspects highlighted a blend of practical and digital techniques for the time-travel sequences, with on-set practical effects creating initial swirling water in using a paddle mechanism for reference. These were augmented in by Mr. X Inc., which delivered 120 shots featuring a full CG water vortex—simulated in Houdini and rendered with over 50 million particles—to depict the bubbling, wormhole-like portal, while keeping other era-specific details grounded in practical sets. Filming winter exteriors post-ski season presented logistical challenges, addressed through the use of around key areas like edge to maintain the snowy illusion without natural coverage. In post-production, editor George Folsey Jr. assembled the film's fast-paced comedic rhythm, emphasizing the temporal shifts and character arcs with minimal visual effects overall to prioritize authentic 1980s recreation over elaborate CGI. This approach ensured the hot tub's transformation felt visceral yet fantastical, aligning with the story's focus on retro immersion.

Release

Theatrical Release

Hot Tub Time Machine had its world premiere on March 17, 2010, in Hollywood, , followed by a wide theatrical release and on March 26, 2010, distributed by on 2,754 screens. The film was rated R by the of America for strong crude and sexual content, nudity, drug use, and pervasive language. The international rollout began shortly after the domestic debut, with releases in on March 31, 2010, and on April 1, 2010, among other markets; the saw a release on May 14, 2010. During its opening weekend, the film earned $14,020,502 at the North American , placing third behind Alice in Wonderland and . Overall, it grossed $50,287,556 domestically and $64,556,677 worldwide, surpassing its $36 million production budget. Promotion included the debut of the official trailer on December 17, 2009, which highlighted the film's time-travel comedy elements. Additionally, cast members and served as guest hosts on the March 29, 2010, episode of Monday Night Raw, with Craig Robinson appearing remotely to build crossover appeal ahead of the release.

Home Media and Marketing

The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray Disc on June 29, 2010, by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, featuring both the theatrical version and an unrated extended cut that added approximately two minutes of additional footage, including extended scenes of crude humor and . The unrated edition was positioned to appeal to fans seeking a more uncensored experience, with the Blu-ray including options for portability. Domestic sales for Hot Tub Time Machine ultimately generated $34.5 million, contributing significantly to the film's overall profitability following its theatrical run. Marketing efforts for the home media release built on the film's nostalgic 1980s theme and raunchy comedy, with promotional materials emphasizing time travel humor through viral red band trailers that highlighted outrageous scenarios and celebrity cameos. Posters prominently featured the hot tub as a central visual motif, often depicting the protagonists in bubbly, retro-styled chaos to evoke '80s party culture. The campaign included targeted digital promotions to extend buzz from theaters, positioning the release as an ideal for group viewings among adult audiences. In the years following its physical debut, Hot Tub Time Machine became available on digital platforms and streaming services, including starting in late 2015, where it gained renewed visibility through algorithmic recommendations tied to and genres. International marketing adaptations focused on universal appeals to '80s retro culture, with localized trailers and packaging in markets like the and underscoring the film's escapist humor to resonate with global audiences familiar with era-specific pop references.

Reception

Critical Response

Hot Tub Time Machine received mixed reviews from critics, with praise centered on its nostalgic elements and ensemble performances, tempered by criticisms of its scripting and structure. On , the film holds a 64% approval rating based on 210 reviews, with an score of 6.1/10. The site's consensus notes that "its flagrantly silly script—and immensely likable cast—make up for most of its flaws." assigns a score of 63 out of 100 from 36 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reception. On , the audience score is 56% based on over 100,000 ratings; on , the user score is 6.4/10 based on 201 ratings. Audiences surveyed by gave the film a "B" on an A+ to F scale. Critics frequently lauded the film's evocation of nostalgia and the chemistry among its lead actors, particularly highlighting Rob Corddry's energetic portrayal of Lou as a standout. of the awarded three out of four stars, calling it a "screwball farce" that "succeeds beyond any expectations suggested by the title" and praising the cast's commitment, while comparing it to . of called it a source of "a billion laughs," though noting it is not for the faint of heart. A in LAist singled out Corddry's as the "primary reason to see" the film, noting his wild, uninhibited energy elevates the ensemble dynamics. However, detractors pointed to uneven pacing, an overabundance of references that occasionally overshadowed original material, and underdeveloped logic in the premise. Houston Public Media's review described it as a "sporadically funny but largely uneven gross-out comedy" that struggles to maintain momentum. The VSU Spectator noted the script has "enough 80s pop culture references to fill an entire game," including allusions to The Karate Kid and Back to the Future, rendering some humor predictable and reliant on era-specific gags. Overall, the critical consensus portrays Hot Tub Time Machine as an enjoyable yet flawed , where the strong ensemble and nostalgic appeal compensate for scripting inconsistencies and derivative elements reminiscent of earlier time-travel satires.

Box Office Performance

Hot Tub Time Machine grossed $50.3 million in the United States and , and $14.5 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $64.8 million. The film was released on a of $36 million, allowing it to achieve profitability after accounting for and distribution costs. It opened in third place with $14.0 million from 2,754 theaters, yielding a per-screen average of approximately $5,090. Despite its niche appeal among fans of raunchy comedies, the film underperformed broader expectations set by contemporaries like , which earned over $467 million worldwide on a similar . As part of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's 2010 release slate, Hot Tub Time Machine provided a modest contribution to the studio's revenues amid ongoing financial struggles that culminated in proceedings later that year.

Music and Soundtrack

Original Soundtrack

The original soundtrack for Hot Tub Time Machine was released on March 23, 2010, by as a to the film's theatrical debut. This features 15 tracks primarily consisting of popular songs, curated to evoke the era's cultural vibe central to the movie's time-travel premise. The selection focuses on licensed hits from the decade, excluding any original score composed by for the film. Notable tracks include Public Enemy's "Louder Than a Bomb (Back Into Time)", a 1988 hip-hop single remixed for the album, which opens the collection and underscores the story's temporal shift. Craig Robinson performs a cover of Rick Springfield's 1981 hit "Jessie's Girl" as track 12, reflecting his character's in-film musical moment. Other highlights encompass "The Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats (1982), "What You Need" by INXS (1985), and New Order's "Bizarre Love Triangle (Shep Pettibone Remix)" (1986), blending new wave, rock, and synth-pop to reinforce the nostalgic immersion. The album's tracklist prioritizes era-defining anthems like REO Speedwagon's "" (1984) and The Knack's "" (1979), with the latter bridging late-1970s energy into the 1980s aesthetic. Echo & the Bunnymen's "" (1985) and Talking Heads' "Once in a Lifetime" (1980) close the set, emphasizing introspective and danceable elements that align with the film's comedic exploration of past regrets.

Musical Elements in the Film

Music is prominently integrated into Hot Tub Time Machine through diegetic performances that capture the exuberance of 1986. In a key scene at the Kodiak Valley Ski Resort's Winterfest party, the character , portrayed by Craig Robinson, takes the stage to perform a cover of Rick Springfield's "," redeeming a past failure that had derailed his musical aspirations and marking a turning point in his personal redemption arc. Beyond these performances, the music serves a vital function by reinforcing the premise and evoking . As the modern-day friends—Adam, Lou, Nick, and Jacob—navigate 1986, their reactions to ubiquitous 80s tracks like those by and highlight their anachronistic presence, blending humor with wistful reflection on lost opportunities. For character development, the songs symbolize growth, particularly for Lou (), whose exposure to the rock scene inspires him to form a band and embrace a bolder path, culminating in his altered future as a successful , humorously parodied in the end credits with a Mötley Crüe-inspired video for "." The film's sound design relies heavily on licensed 1980s tracks to delineate timelines, with abrupt shifts to period hits signaling returns to and underscoring the cultural dislocation. Composer crafted the incidental score to support these transitions and comedic beats without dominating, prioritizing subtle that amplifies the nostalgic tone over original compositions. This approach ensures the licensed music drives the era's authenticity, making the an essential narrative tool.

Legacy

Sequel

Hot Tub Time Machine 2 is a 2015 American science fiction comedy film serving as a direct sequel to the 2010 original, directed by Steve Pink and written by Josh Heald. The film was released on February 20, 2015, in a limited theatrical run alongside video-on-demand availability, distributed by Paramount Pictures. Produced on a budget of $14 million, it grossed $12.3 million domestically and $12.8 million worldwide, marking a significant decline from the original's performance. Principal photography took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, where the story's futuristic setting was largely constructed around the city's Central Business District and French Quarter locations. The plot diverges from the original's backward by shifting focus to the future. After Lou Dorchen becomes a internet mogul by inventing the search engine "Lougle," he is shot by an unknown assailant. His friends Nick Webber and Jacob Dorchen activate the hot tub time machine in an attempt to prevent the attack, but they arrive in an alternate 2025 timeline where Lou is alive and thriving. There, they encounter Yates Jr., the son of their absent friend Adam, and embark on a chaotic quest to uncover the shooter amid surreal future scenarios, culminating in meta narrative twists that play with the film's reality. The cast features returning performers as Lou, Craig Robinson as Nick, and as Jacob, while John Cusack's Adam is absent from the main storyline, with only a brief uncredited cameo in the unrated version. joins as Adam Jr., bringing a new dynamic to the group, supported by actors including as Jill and in a small role as the hot tub repairman. This shift in ensemble emphasized the sequel's focus on Lou's family legacy and altered friendships, contrasting the original's core quartet. Critically, Hot Tub Time Machine 2 received negative reviews, earning a 14% approval rating on based on 107 reviews, with critics citing its lack of the original's charm, incoherent plot, and overreliance on crude humor despite some likable performances. Box office underperformance reflected this reception, as the film failed to recapture the appeal that drove the first installment's success, positioning it as a lesser follow-up in the franchise.

Cultural Impact

Hot Tub Time Machine contributed to the wave of in by blending raunchy comedy with affectionate recreations of ski resort aesthetics, music, and social norms, appealing to audiences seeking ironic retrospection on the era's excesses. The film's time-travel premise allowed for meta-commentary on generational regret and the allure of youthful recklessness, resonating amid broader trends like the revival of and fashion in media. This nostalgic framing positioned the movie as a cultural touchstone for midlife reflection, influencing fan analyses of time travel's ethical dilemmas in comedic contexts, such as the moral hazards of altering personal histories for self-improvement. Discussions often highlight the film's exploration of the "butterfly effect," where minor past changes ripple into unintended future consequences, sparking debates on responsibility in hypothetical scenarios. The movie's legacy extends through its parodic nods to 1980s tropes, including spoofs of films like Back to the Future and Red Dawn, which in turn inspired later comedies to experiment with era-specific humor in time-displacement narratives. While direct parodies in television remain limited, the film's quotable dialogue and over-the-top antics have permeated pop culture references, solidifying its role in perpetuating 1980s revival motifs. In the 2020s, Hot Tub Time Machine has sustained popularity on streaming platforms including Netflix and Peacock earlier in the decade, and as of November 2025 on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi, where it ranks among hits for nostalgic viewers, amassing renewed interest without specific viewership metrics overshadowing its cult endurance. As of 2025, recent reappraisals note the film's undercurrents of homophobic humor as reflective of its era, though no major queer subtext analyses have dominated discourse. No third installment has been announced, despite ongoing fan speculation. Over time, the film has cultivated a dedicated , particularly for its heartfelt portrayal of male amid midlife crises, emphasizing themes of and redemption through absurd escapades. Lacking formal awards, it has been retrospectively celebrated in analyses for balancing gross-out gags with emotional depth, as seen in 2024 discussions marking its enduring appeal in the genre. The 2015 sequel further extended the franchise's reach, amplifying its influence on buddy- time-travel subgenres.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1231587/
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  3. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt1231587/
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  6. https://www.moriareviews.com/sciencefiction/hot-tub-time-machine-2010.htm
  7. https://movies.fandom.com/wiki/Hot_Tub_Time_Machine
  8. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/hot-tub-time-machine-2010
  9. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1231587/fullcredits/
  10. https://variety.com/2010/film/reviews/hot-tub-time-machine-1117942462/
  11. https://hero.fandom.com/wiki/Nick_Webber
  12. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hot_tub_time_machine/cast-and-crew
  13. https://www.cinemablend.com/new/Interview-Hot-Tub-Time-Machine-Crispin-Glover-17776.html
  14. https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/hot-tub-time-machine-screenwriters-josh-heald-sean-anders-retrospective
  15. https://www.shockya.com/news/2010/03/27/hot-tub-time-machine-steve-pink-interview/
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1231587/fullcredits
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  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1231587/locations/
  19. https://jerrygarrett.wordpress.com/2010/04/13/hot-tub-time-machine-locations-trivia-secrets/
  20. https://shotonwhat.com/hot-tub-time-machine-2010
  21. https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/all-the-rage/story/2010-03-30/hot-tub-time-machine-costume-designer-totally-takes-us-back
  22. https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/mr-x-builds-hot-tub-time-machine
  23. https://www.americanhumane.org/production/hot-tub-time-machine/
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1231587/releaseinfo/
  25. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl2136507905/
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1231587/parentalguide/
  27. https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/43765/hot-tub-time-machine/
  28. https://bluray.highdefdigest.com/3386/hottubtimemachine.html
  29. https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/franchise/Hot-Tub-Time-Machine
  30. https://www.heyuguys.com/submerge-yourself-in-new-hot-tub-time-machine-poster/
  31. http://www.impawards.com/2010/hot_tub_time_machine_ver2_xlg.html
  32. https://www.screendaily.com/hot-tub-time-machine/5012157.article
  33. https://www.netflix.com/title/70118951
  34. https://unogs.com/movie/70118951/hot-tub-time-machine
  35. https://www.thewrap.com/box-office-dragon-fires-433m-15734/
  36. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/hot-tub-time-machine/critic-reviews/?critic=travers-peter-rolling-stone
  37. https://laist.com/news/entertainment/movie-review-hot-tub-time-machine
  38. https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/arts-culture/2010/03/24/19923/film-review-hot-tub-time-machine/
  39. https://vsuspectator.com/2010/03/31/hot-tub-time-machine-hilarious/
  40. https://deadline.com/2010/03/the-financials-of-hot-tub-time-machine-29842/
  41. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/oct/31/mgm-bankruptcy-spyglass
  42. https://media.rhino.com/press-release/hot-tub-time-machine
  43. https://www.allmusic.com/album/hot-tub-time-machine-original-motion-picture-soundtrack--mw0001960958
  44. https://www.discogs.com/release/2669398-Various-Hot-Tub-Time-Machine-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack
  45. https://genius.com/albums/Various-artists/Hot-tub-time-machine-original-motion-picture-soundtrack
  46. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/812242/all
  47. https://slicingupeyeballs.com/2010/02/25/hot-tub-time-machine-soundtrack-new-order-echo-bunnymen-replacements-inxs/
  48. https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/26/movies/26hottub.html
  49. https://craigerscinemacorner.com/Reviews/hot_tub_time_machine.htm
  50. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-home-sweet-home-covers/
  51. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1231587/soundtrack/
  52. https://variety.com/2015/film/reviews/film-review-hot-tub-time-machine-2-1201436481/
  53. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Hot-Tub-Time-Machine-2
  54. https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/movies_tv/hot-tub-time-machine-2-puts-new-orleans-locations-front-and-center/article_b5fbd168-31d8-554b-89e1-aca8bed1d565.html
  55. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hot_tub_time_machine_2
  56. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hot_tub_time_machine_2/cast-and-crew
  57. https://ew.com/article/2010/03/29/did-hot-tub-time-machine-make-you-miss-the-80s/
  58. https://www.moviemuser.co.uk/2010/09/06/hot-tub-time-machine-dvd-all-the-fun-of-going-back-to-the-80s/
  59. https://www.cracked.com/article_35909_hot-tub-time-machine-nails-the-dangers-of-time-travel.html
  60. https://therumpus.net/2010/04/23/paradox-and-self-annihilation-in-hot-tub-time-machine/
  61. https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/24-frames/story/2010-03-18/hot-tub-time-machine-the-gross-out-comedy-as-80s-movie-rummage-sale
  62. https://collider.com/hot-tub-time-machine-peacock-streaming-success-july-2025/
  63. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/hot-tub-time-machine
  64. https://collider.com/hot-tub-time-machine-3-update-craig-robinson/
  65. https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/smfea4/its_been_over_a_decade_and_hot_tub_time_machine/
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