Utterly hilarious

Rating: 8/10 (22 March 2009)

I had flirted with the idea of seeing this film when it was in theaters, then again when it hit DVD, but somehow never got around to it. I don't even remember why I put it up at the top of my Netflix queue. Must have seen it referenced somewhere and my interest was renewed. I'm ecstatic that I finally caught up to it, though. It's hilarious! This generation of Saturday Night Live is pretty dismal, but one of the few good things about it is Andy Sandberg and his digital shorts. They aren't always great, but they're weird and frequently inspired. He stars in this movie about a man who wants to follow in his dead father's footsteps and become a stuntman. In a very common plot for SNL players, Sandberg's stepfather is going to die if he doesn't get a heart transplant. That'll cost 50 grand, and Sandberg thinks that, if he completes one awesome stunt, he'll make the money needed. Much as all of the movies like this (e.g., Dirty Work, which starred Norm MacDonald), the plot is very secondary. Jokes are first. And jokes about the lameness of the plot are hugely encouraged. In fact, Sandberg only wants to heal his stepdad (Ian McShane) because he wants to kick his butt just once in a fair fight before he dies. Isla Fisher plays Sandberg's love interest, but his desires are thwarted by ultra-windbag Will Arnet, one of the funniest men on Earth. He brings this stereotypical character to ridiculous heights of meta-comedy. Danny McBride, Bill Hader and Jorma Taccone co-star as Sandberg's wacky crew. McBride and Hader have become sure-fire signs of a great comedy. There are so many great bits in Hot Rod: the crazy dancing Asian guy, Bill Hader's calm recollection of his acid trip, a fight between a taco and a grilled cheese sandwich, Sandberg "punch-dancing" his rage out. Little of it comes close to being describable. It's weird and wild, and sure to be something of a cult comedy classic.