Movies

Hot Rod Review

Rod Taylor is a stuntman, just like his father was, before he died in an accident. His step-father, Frank, doesn’t respect and tells him he never will, at least until he can whip Frank’s ass in a fight.

 

One day, Rod learns his step father has a heart condition and needs expensive surgery to fix the problem. His solution, to jump 15 buses, raising the money for the Frank’s surgery. Then, after Frank has the surgery and is healthy, he’ll be able to kick Frank’s ass and finally win his respect. Of course, along the way, there will be pitfalls and obstacles to overcome.

 

The stunts are poorly set-up and almost always wind up with Rod getting hurt. The injuries he sustains are reminiscent of a Bugs Bunny film, as he’ll hit a wall full on and get up without a scratch. You’ll surely feel at least a little bit of schaudenfraude (joyful glee) at his misery, but like a car accident, you just can’t seem to look away.

 

If I had to compare this to any movie in recent memory, I’d say it’s this year’s Napoleon Dynamite. The actors are mostly no-names and the humour is odd and eclectic. The music is dated (80s mostly) and most of the cast are society’s cast-offs.