2008 Woodie Awards
'Hot' star fails to impress
Audrey Leon
Issue date: 8/28/07 Section: A & E
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The lovable loser this time around is Rod Kimble, a wannabe stuntman who dreams of becoming one of the greats. Now, if only he could win the respect of his intimidating stepfather Frank, the love of his next-door neighbor Denise, and grow a mustache, he would truly have it all!
"Hot Rod" stars Andy Samberg, a current cast member on "Saturday Night Live" best known for digital shorts such as "Lazy Sunday." From these shorts, it is apparent that Samberg's comedy thrives on random silliness. A notable example in this film involves Rod and his half-brother Kevin Kimble (Jorma Taccone) repeating the phrase "cool beans" until the scene morphs into an electro-dance track.
Following in the footsteps of "SNL's" digital shorts, the humor of "Hot Rod" is hit or miss. The film's plot is simple: boy wants respect, boy disappoints self and others, boy tries one last big stunt, boy prevails (in a way). "Hot Rod" sets up shop in the well-worn territory of slapstick comedy, but it fails to keep up the momentum started by its predecessors.
The total lack of supporting character development frustrates the film's effectiveness. The loveless relationship between Rod and his stepfather is left unexplained, and many laughs could have been achieved with a little back story.
Without it, it was hard to hate Frank as much as Rod does, as Frank is not particularly menacing. If he is meant to be Rod's foil, the plot suffers from its poor execution. Rod actually comes off more like an angst-ridden brat than an abused stepchild. Nowhere is this more evident than in Rod's reaction to Frank's sudden illness.4 He only wants to raise the money to save him so they can have a battle to the death.
Even worse is the performance of Rod's mother Marie (Sissy Spacek). Marie serves as the voice of patience and reason but is not allowed to do much else. The chemistry between Rod and his love interest Denise (Isla Fisher) is forced and awkward. It is never explained why Rod is so intrigued with Denise, besides her obvious beauty. Once again, a little back story would have solved many of the film's ills.
Nevertheless, the film offers some enjoyable moments. Rod retreats to his "special place" to punch-dance out his frustrations to 1980's hair-metal, and this blatant "Flashdance" rip-off is certainly worth a chuckle.
The countless stunts gone awry also illicits laughs. There is even a dream sequence featuring a battle to the death between a grilled cheese sandwich and a taco. The funniest parts of the film are the most random and extravagant and, unfortunately, the fewest and farthest between.
I could go on about all that could have been, but what's the point? The YouTube generation that sent Samberg to stardom will give this movie a much needed re-editing when it hits DVD. Keep on the lookout for a clip containing all the laughs and none of the filler.