‘Hot Tub Time Machine 2’: Critics Call Comedy Sequel ‘Unfunny’

The comedy sequel Hot Tub Time Machine 2 reunites most of the cast members from the original film, as well as director Steve Pink and writer Josh Heald. But critics are saying the second dip in the Hot Tub Time Machine doesn’t match the level of the original.

At the time of this publication, Rotten Tomatoes has the film at a 15 percent approval, with eight of the 55 counted reviews being positive. One thing many critics, such as Entertainment Weekly’s Chris Nashawaty, have said about Hot Tub Time Machine 2 is that it’s just not funny.

“So witless and unfunny and shoddily made it makes ‘The Hangover 2’ look like ‘The Godfather 2.'”

There are even some critics who have stated that Hot Tub Time Machine 2 will be on their worst of the year list, including Peter Howell of the Toronto Star. Howell also noted the absence of cast member John Cusack, who was in the first film.

“Everything that made the original 2010 film funny has been stripped from the sequel, not least of which is the grounding influence of Cusack, whose straight-man role has been gamely but vainly taken up by Adam Scott.”

Bill Goodykoontz of the Arizona Republic wrote that fans are better off re-watching the first film and avoiding the sequel.

“‘Hot Tub Time Machine 2’ is a movie that didn’t need to be made, and certainly doesn’t need to be seen – not when you can rent the original and still feel good about yourself afterward.”

Gary Wolcott of the Tri-City Herald is one of the few critics who gave the film a positive review. He noted that the sequel is a slight improvement over the first, even though neither of them are spectacular efforts.

“Drug bits, sex bits and time travel comedy are as much a part of the future as it was when the now-franchise sent the guys into the past. This one is a bit funnier and it’s worth waiting for the terrific outtakes, but the water is still lukewarm.”

Even though Hot Tub Time Machine 2 is opening alongside two other films, The DUFF and McFarland USA, none of them are predicted to beat last week’s champion, Fifty Shades of Grey. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the cinematic adaptation of E.L. James’ best-selling novel has already passed the $300 million mark worldwide. Analysts are predicting that the film will remain in the number one spot this weekend with an estimated $30 million.

However, of the three new releases, Hot Tub Time Machine 2 is looking to earn the most. Analysts predict the comedy sequel will bring in roughly $15 million in its debut weekend.

[Image via YouTube screencap]