Hot Rod stars Andy Samberg (writer/actor on “SNL,” was the other guy in the “D*** In a Box” video), Ian McShane (bad-ass actor from “Deadwood"), Isla Fisher (The Wedding Crashers, The Lookout), Bill Hader (Superbad, Knocked Up) and Sissy Spacek (Carrie, The Coal Miners Daughter). 

The Plot: I will admit that the plot line for this film is completely stupid, but still very comical. Rod (played by Samberg) is a self-proclaimed stunt-man who feels that he is following in his dead fathers footsteps.  He has a group of friends, which are part of his stunt team (they are played by Jorma Taccone, Bill Hader and Danny McBride). 

One day, he finds out that his Stepfather, Frank (played by McShane) is dying and needs a heart transplant that his insurance company will not cover (does someone hear SICKO?).  Rod and Frank have a very weird relationship because Rod can not deal with the fact that his Stepfather does not consider him a man.  They constantly physically fight each other every day and Rod gets his butt kicked.  To earn Frank’s respect, Rod decides to do the ultimate stunt and jump across fifteen buses on his motorbike.  He is going to use the event to make enough money to pay for his Stepfather’s surgery.  He only wants to do this so that he can kick Frank’s butt after he is better.  I know it sounds stupid, but that is what make is so funny. 

The Review: Overall, this is going to be one of those films that takes a little while to grow on you, but the more you look back on it, the funnier it seems.  I have heard some people comparing it to Napoleon Dynamite, and I can see exactly where they are coming from.  I am going to compare it to Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.  The first time I saw that film, it really was not all that great.  The more and more I saw it though, it became hilarious and is now one of my favorite comedies of all time. 

When Hot Rod started out, I really was not used to the style of humor the film was using, but as the film progressed it started to get funnier and funnier.  I actually had a chance to see it a second time and I was dying laughing the entire time.  The film's comedy is definitely an acquired taste.

It is just all the little things about the film; i.e. the soundtrack (which pretty much consists of music by an 80’s band called EUROPE), the little images that pop up on screen before Rod does any stunt, the extremely over-dramatic scenes, etc.  There are just so many little things going on.  When you go back and watch it for the second time, you will get what I mean. 

The Verdict: Definitely give this film a chance.  If I did not like it, I would tell you so.  It is definitely worth seeing during a matinee, hence the 4 BDK rating.