What Do The Critics Say?

"Witness an absurdest buddy comedy throwback with a paper-thin premise and no justifiable reason why it should succeed at all (which is exactly what it does.)" Kevin A Ranson MOVIECRYPT "It cheerfully celebrates its own awesome idiocy rather than pretending to be something it’s not." Liz Braun JAM! MOVIES "Hugely raunchy and undeniably funny, with Cusack adding just a hint of sweetness." Rafer Guzman NEWSDAY "Rob Corddry becomes a certified star. This is perfectly vulgar fun." Victoria Alexander FILMSINREVIEW "For the most part, this is a really goofy and fun piece of work. Cusack hasn't been this good in years." Christopher Smith BANGOR DAILY NEWS "The latest in a string of strong comedies aimed squarely at the pop-culture-saturated Gen Y crowd, 'Hot Tub Time Machine'. Expect hot tub parties to be in vogue again after this one's released. It's not high brow stuff, but Hot Tub Time Machine is a comedy with genuine laughs and surprising personality." Patrick Kolan IGN AU REVIEW

"Cusack fans will love seeing nods to his early work, as well as his other movies such as "Serendipity." He's hilarious here as the guy who is forced to re-live a breakup once again with the girl of his dreams in order to get home to a future he really detests. It's Corddry who gets most of the really funny lines as the in your face hard partier. You're going to laugh as hard as you rock to the '80s beats in the soundtrack. Bet you'll be digging out your Poison cassettes when you get home." Linda Cook QUAD CITY TIMES "A cute and silly romp through dudesville worthy of an evening with friends and goodies." Karina Montgomery CINERINA "I really laughed a lot. Nicely done and really gross." Paul Chambers CNN RADIO "A winning, almost totally successful comedy that works as an uproarious homage to 1980s movies." Stephen Silver THE TREND "It's coarse, rowdy and filled with vulgarities, yet Hot Tub Time Machine is genuinely funny, original and dare I say rather endearing, as four down and out friends find themselves flung back to the 80s after a night of disorderly drinking. Written by the screenwriters who penned She's Out of My League, the film offers a similar, keen observation of human behaviour." Louise Keller URBAN CINEFILE

The Inside Story on Cusack and producing partner Grace Loh jumped at the opportunity to work on Hot Tub Time Machine. "MGM was looking for someone to fill the lead role of Adam and help develop his character and storyline," says Loh. "And who better for a movie that travels back to 1986, than one of the icons from the '80s?' John and I really responded to idea: the absurd premises, the characters, and the story of their friendship. And of course, how fun is a throwback to the’80s?" In approaching Steve Pink to direct, Loh says the decision was a nobrainer. Cusack and Loh previously collaborated with Pink on such critically acclaimed films as "High Fidelity" and "Grosse Pointe Blank", for which Pink was co-writer and co-producer. "Steve was perfect for this project," says Loh. "Given our tight timeline, it was crucial for John and I to collaborate with someone who could jump right in and get started. The shared sensibilities and shorthand with Steve was invaluable to the creative and production process." This project also proved to be a more personal venture for Cusack and Pink, as their own relationship dates all the way back to Evanston Township High School in Evanston, Illinois. They eventually formed a film production company with Loh called New Crime, but that partnership’s origins began as a theatre company in Chicago called The New Criminals. "I’ve directed John on stage," says Pink. "But even though this is our fourth movie together, it is the first time I’m directing him on film. It’s a different kind of responsibility, but it’s great to get to work with John in a more creative way." Loh ("War, Inc") enjoyed the fact that 1998 Blockbuster Entertainment Award winner Cusack ("Con Air") and Pink (TV'S "The Genesis Files") got to work together again. "John and Steve have this wonderful history together, much like the main characters in the film," she says, "I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with them both for over twelve years now. It’s been a real blast teaming up again, especially with Steve in the director’s chair this time around." Having that first film be an 1980s comedy was an added bonus for Cusack and Pink. "Putting John in a situation where he returns to the '80s, as both a character and as an actor, is especially fantastic because he was such a part of it. It’s fun to see him reckon with it all," says Pink. "John is an ‘80s icon. We’re asking him to take us back to the '80s and be our guide through the nostalgia: both the good and bad. We’re in good hands with John. He can only do this because he’s still so well-loved." Cusack says the film "revives the era in every aspect. In other words, be prepared to be shocked; it’s a true throwback to the political incorrectness of the time. It can get pretty raunchy; but in an incredibly fun way." The actors have their own unique memories of that colorful decade. "You know what I recall most?" Robinson ("Zack and Miri Make a Porno") says. "I really wanted a Jheri Curl, and my parents wouldn’t let me get one. A lot of my friends had ‘em. I remember the day my cousin came over and his curl was just glowing and glistening and dripping. Oh, it was fantastic!" Corddry ("What Happens in Vegas") recalls it was a quieter period in his life. "I was going to school dances and then spending a lot of time writing in my journal. What stood out during filming is that when I was with a group of extras dressed up in full '80s garb, I could actually smell Love’s Baby Soft." Clark Duke ("Kick-Ass") was born in 1985 and has basically no memory of the '80s, but he says he’s made cultural assumptions based on observation. "I think women look better now. The clothes and the hair were really unflattering. The tall waist thing does not look good on anyone." "Wardrobe and production design were crucial to achieving the ‘80s feel," Loh says. "Our costume designer, Dayna Pink, did an incredible job piecing together every outfit, from main characters to extras." Dayna Pink (no relation to director Steve) was thrilled to be dressing for this time period. "If you’re going to do a period movie, this is the time to do it," Pink ("Fame") says. "This is a crazy, fun, kooky, colorful, shoulder pads, acid wash, fun kind of project, no matter how you slice it. To me it was the best time in fashion!" Her response to being tapped for the job? "Sign me up!" Pink spent many weeks scouring through musty warehouses and searching on Ebay for authentic clothing. "I found Sergio Valente tops and Jordache jeans, really cool, amazing color-block pieces and hand-painted stuff. We were also really fortunate in that L.A. Gear provided the production with reissued '80s shoes. To complete the wardrobe, we culled from a mix of online, rentals and stock merchandise. I also brought in some pieces of my own." When the buddies unknowingly awaken in the past, they find themselves at "Winterfest '86", populated by some very colorful characters. At first, the guys assume it’s some kind of 'retro' weekend. Pink researched ski attire of the time by watching period documentaries but took her designs a step further, adding in a fantasy element. "I imagined if I was Adam and I was on that mountain, what would I want it to look like? I decided to go with bare skin, crazy bright leggings and big boots. So we have girls wearing bikinis and fur coats on the slopes. The men are in bright purple, one-piece suits with big spiders and logos and headbands. We really had a lot of fun with it," she said. It may look like an ordinary hot tub. It may behave like an ordinary hot tub. But the Hot Tub Time Machine is no ordinary hot tub. Mechanical special effects coordinator Clayton Orr was charged with the task of creating the title 'character', the very device that transports our heroes into the past. "The script required that the tub do a tremendous amount of things, and we were faced with a lot of logistical challenges," Orr explained. "It had to function in three different modes; first, as a bowl of water, next, as a functioning hot tub for talent and, then, as a time machine." It took a period of three months for Orr and his team to assemble the tub from scratch. When first seen in the film, it appears to be broken and dilapidated. Its only function was to hold water. When it came time for the actors to enter, the team installed a jet system that was augmented with an air pump. "Since the water was only 90 degrees, we added exterior steam to mimic a real tub," Orr states. The set piece was also designed with a glass bottom, so the crew could add lights from below. The final stage occurs when Cusack’s character, Adam, accidentally sets off the time machine. "We took the tub apart, added propulsion and lowered a pump system that fit into the bottom of the tub. The effect resembles a giant toilet bowl that’s constantly flushing. It all worked with just the flip of a switch," he says. Orr assures that the set-up was 100 percent safe for the actors and enabled them to "spin around and grab the sides as if actually trapped in a whirlpool." The spectacular mountain community of Fernie, British Columbia, stands in for the story’s nostalgic Kodiak Valley. The world-class ski resort, located 42 km from the Alberta/British Columbia, is renowned for its fabulous powder conditions. From its boomtown status at the turn of the twentieth century to its reputation as the Whiskey Gap during the prohibition era of the 1920s, Fernie has inherited a unique and colorful past with a strong history of coal mining. Fernie was named after mining magnate William Fernie who helped develop the town after he had reported a major coal discovery in 1897 that led to the formation of the Crowsnest Pass Coal Company. The locale proved to be both a blessing as well as a curse for the filmmakers. "It was tough shooting a winter film in May, as we were chasing the snow a bit. But the place had the best layout for what we were looking for in terms of creating the Winterfest street," Loh notes. "So it was just a combination of snow, layout, style and architecture that took us out here." Loh credits the work of production designer Bob Ziembicki ("Boogie Nights" & "The Wedding Planner") with bringing Fernie’s oldfashioned streets to life. "I can’t say enough about our production designer, Bob Ziembicki, who essentially created Kodiak Valley out of almost nothing and in zero time. The time travel element was challenging as well in that our sets required a distinct change in their look, both stylistically as well as in age, and on a quick turnaround," says Loh, who produced "Grace Is Gone" for Plum Pictures in which John Cusack starred as Stanley Phillips. "What I was drawn to was the notion of starting with something real and enhancing it as best we could," Ziembicki (Nick Hurran's "Little Black Book" starring the late Brittany Murphy as Stacy) says. "Making the present where we start off as dark and depressing and then as we go back in time to '86 things brighten up considerably. We were able to capture the color palette of the mid-80s, which was probably the most important and essential element both in the production and costume design of this movie." John Cusack first gained the attention of audiences in 1980s film classics such as "The Sure Thing", "Say Anything" and "Sixteen Candles". Following these, Cusack shed his teen-heartthrob image by starring in a wide range of dramas, thrillers and comedies, including "The Grifters", "Eight Men Out", "Adaptation", "Being John Malkovich", "High Fidelity", "Grosse Pointe Blank" and "2012". Rob Corddry made his debut on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" in 2002 and quickly became one of the most popular correspondents to emerge from the groundbreaking talk show. He continued to educate audiences with his snarky political sketches through fall 2006, and has made guest appearances in the years since. In addition to TV, Corddry has appeared in many comedy features including: "Old School", "Blackballed: The Bobby Dukes Story", "Blades of Glory" and "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay". Craig Robinson is perhaps best known for his role as sarcastic Dunder-Mifflin warehouse worker Darryl Philbin on the Emmy® and SAG Award winning "The Office". Beginning as a stand-up comedian, he first made his mark in the comedy circuit at the 1998 Montreal Just For Laughs Festival. That year, he alsowon the Oakland Comedy Festival Awards and the Miller Genuine Draft 1996 Comedy Search. His film credits include: "Daddy’s Little Girls", "Knocked Up" and "Pineapple Express". Clark Duke a native of Hot Springs, Arkansas, is the co-creator of the web comedy series Clark and Michael, which he wrote, directed, produced and starred in alongside his friend and comedy partner, Michael Cera ("Juno"). Both Duke and Cera later appeared in the film "Superbad". In 2008, Clark had a starring role as Lance in the teen comedy "Sex Drive". In 2010 he was cast as Marty in "Kick-Ass". Chevy Chaseis one of the most honored and beloved actors of his generation, first coming to prominence as a writer andperformer with the original cast of Saturday Night Live, for which he won two Emmy Awards. He made his feature film debut in "Foul Play". What's It All About?

The 1980s was a time of frantic change and global growth. Political correctness in life (and in film) was in its infancy. Everyone had to own the 'brick' phone and Nintendo. In fashion, there wa an explosion of bright colors, Jordache jeans, L.A. Gear and side-wearing ponytails. In the music world, MTV was launched and propelled the careers of artists like Michael Jackson and Madonna while making superstars of big-haired rock bands. Four best friends who’ve become bored with their adult lives are suddenly reconnected. Adam has been dumped by his girlfriend; Lou is a party guy who can’t find the party; Nick’s wife controls his every move and video game-obsessed Jacob won’t leave his basement. After a crazy night of drinking in a ski resort hot tub, the men wake up, heads pounding, in the year 1986. This is their chance to kick some past and change their futures. One will find a new love life, one will learn to stand up for himself with the ladies, one will at last find his mojo and, one will make sure he still exists!

The Verdict "For many of us, looking back on the 1980's makes one shudder. It was an era of bad hairstyles, terrible dress styles, Michael Jackson was diagnosed with vitiligo, in the U.S.A unemployment was 10.8% and inflation was running at 14.8%. In Australia we too had high inflation, high unemployment and recessions in 1981 and 1989. By June 1989 the variable interest rate on a housing loan had risen to 17%. In 1981 the first case of AIDS was reported in the U.S.A. 1982 Australia's first case is reported. By 1984 AIDS had become a worldwide epidemic. Sadly, today 1000 people a day die in South Africa alone from the disease (down from 1370 a day in 2008). To counter the spread and make Australians aware of the risks HIV posed, a mind-chilling commercial featuring the Grim Reaper was released on TV. It was so effective, it terrified 'aussies' to the point that many became celibate. There was some good news though. KY Jelly and Condoms sales went through the roof! So why is it we call the 1980's the good old days or think they were so good? Because we have selective memory! We only want to remember the best. It's our nature to do so. So, if you were a fan of the 1980's, hot tubs and Michael Jackson, or you were a big fan of 1985's "Back To The Future", you'll find plenty to laugh about, reminisce about in the hilariously bawdy, "Hot Tub Time Machine". Step back in time. Not for the easily offended or politically correct. 4 STARS." The Production Team

Director Screenplay Story Producers Exec Producer Original Music D.O.P. Film Editors Casting Production Design Art Direction Set Decoration Costume Design

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Steve Pink Josh Heald/Sean Anders/John Morris Josh Heald Cusack/Grace Loh/Matt Moore/John Morris Michael Nelson Christophe Beck Jack Green A.S.C. George Folsey Jr A.C.E. & James Thomas Lynne Carrow & Susie Farris Bob Ziembicki Kelvin Humenny & Jeremy Stanbridge Jill Sprayregen Henkel & Johanne Hubert Dayna Pink

Who Is Playing Who?

John Cusack Clark Duke Craig Robinson Rob Corddry Aliu Oyofo Jake Rose Odessa Rojen Brook Bennett Sebastian Stan Lyndsy Fonseca Crispin Glover Chevy Chase Charlie McDermott Lizzy Caplan Collette Wolfe Crystal Lowe Jessica Paré Kellee Stewart Julia Maxwell Geoff Gustafson

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Adam Jacob Nick Webber Lou Young Nick Young Adam Young Courtney Young Lou Blaine Jennie Phil Repair Man Chaz April Kelly Zoe Tara Courtney Lucy Dr Jeff

Run Time 100 minutes Rated MA15+ [AUST] Copyright ©2010 - 20th Century Fox Films - All Rights Reserved ©1999-2010 The Movie Pages & impact Internet Services. All Rights Reserved. Protected by Australian and International Copyright. Trademark Laws and Intellectual Property Rights apply.