Hot Rod

As I mentioned in our class introductions, I am extremely interested in comedy. I love comedy films, stand up, SNL, and pretty much anything on TV that will make me laugh. In my current college lifestyle that is filled with class, athletics, and campus activities, I think that it is essential to create time for yourself and just laugh. This week during my own free time, I decided to cruise Netflix for a comedy that could brighten my day. I came across the film, Hot Rod.

Hot Rod stood out to me because of it's star studded cast. Headlined by Andy Samberg, the cast also includes Jorma Taccone, Bill Hader, Danny McBride, Isla Fisher and Will Arnett. Andy Samberg plays Rod Kimble who is an aspiring stuntman like his deceased father, who was Evil Knievil's side kick. The only problem is Rod thinks he is much better than he is actually is: Hilarity ensues. Throughout the movie Rod tried to raise money for his dying step dad so he can prove to him that he is a man. Only his step Dad continually beats him up everyday to prove that he is quite the contrary. Rod finds himself a team and decides to raise money to help pay for his step dad's heart operation. Throughout this process Rod lights himself on fire, attempts a full pool jump (fail), and blows himself up. 

What truly makes this comedy a standout is the references to the 1980's. Weather it is the whacked out apparel that Rod trots out in, or the lines he drops during scenes ("2 Legit 2 Quit"), Samberg steals the show. My favorite scene is the movie is the spoof of the Footloose "Angry Dance Scene." Here is a clip: 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this film and it served as a perfect pick me up for this week. I would recommend this to any of the readers who feel the need to belt out a few chuckles. Enjoy!

-Mike Vulcano

Remakes

This weekend I saw the remake of Footloose. I've seen the original Footloose once- so I don't remember it too well so it was hard for me to compare. I do know this version stayed true to the original but definitely modernized it. The remake was decent, and I think it's hard to compare a remake to the original in that the movie is no longer new- when, like Footloose did where it copied the original closely. There are some remakes that stray from the storyline. For example- The Karate Kid and Fame both remakes that created new characters and new storylines. Remakes don't really bother me like they do some people. But I guess if someone tried to redo one of my all time favorites (like the Blues Brothers, mentioned in my last post) I'd have a much different reaction. I am kind of nervous about this Great Gatsby remake though.

New footloose trailer:

Old one: