Hot Rod
Directed by Akiva Schaffer
Paramount Pictures, 2007
By Jason Kogler
I must admit I am not a great fan of stupidity as cinematic theme. I am not one of the legions of individuals believing Ron Burgundy to be ‘the man’, or that a Liger is awesome. No, I wouldn’t vote for Pedro, and Jack Black as a Mexican is only mildly amusing. I even believe we are compelled to seek out stupidity in film because it reassures us. By watching someone else make a complete ass of himself on screen we feel more comfortable with our own failings, mistakes and foibles. Hot Rod succeeds at presenting its audience with a moronic hero who can take on that role, but becomes mired in lame and repetitive comedy that prevents the film from soaring.
Produced by Mr. Ferrell himself, Hot Rod is an amalgamation of concepts borrowed from the film’s predecessors. There is a bit of 70s and 80s reminiscence: a crew of guys redefining mediocrity, and, of course, a notable moustache. Rod Kimble (Andy Samberg) is a twenty-something who has always dreamt of filling his late father’s shoes as a professional stuntman. He juggles this desire with his desperate need to impress his stepfather Frank (Ian McShane), and the girl-next-door, Denise (Isla Fisher). When Frank falls ill and needs a heart transplant, Rod’s brilliant solution is to jump fifteen buses with his moped[...]
Hot Rod
Directed by Akiva Schaffer
Paramount Pictures, 2007
By Jason Kogler
I must admit I am not a great fan of stupidity as cinematic theme. I am not one of the legions of individuals believing Ron Burgundy to be ‘the man’, or that a Liger is awesome. No, I wouldn’t vote for Pedro, and Jack Black as a Mexican is only mildly amusing. I even believe we are compelled to seek out stupidity in film because it reassures us. By watching someone else make a complete ass of himself on screen we feel more comfortable with our own failings, mistakes and foibles. Hot Rod succeeds at presenting its audience with a moronic hero who can take on that role, but becomes mired in lame and repetitive comedy that prevents the film from soaring.
Produced by Mr. Ferrell himself, Hot Rod is an amalgamation of concepts borrowed from the film’s predecessors. There is a bit of 70s and 80s reminiscence: a crew of guys redefining mediocrity, and, of course, a notable moustache. Rod Kimble (Andy Samberg) is a twenty-something who has always dreamt of filling his late father’s shoes as a professional stuntman. He juggles this desire with his desperate need to impress his stepfather Frank (Ian McShane), and the girl-next-door, Denise (Isla Fisher). When Frank falls ill and needs a heart transplant, Rod’s brilliant solution is to jump fifteen buses with his moped[...]
