"Hot Tub Time Machine" - Film

Released in 2010, Hot Tub Time Machine is a science-fiction comedy film that will have you laughing and cringing in equal measure. 

Adam, Nick, Lou and Jacob are four guys whom are going through a rough time right now; Adam has just been dumped by his girlfriend, Nick is in a dead-end job and currently being cheated on by his wife, Lou is a lonely and suicidal alcoholic, and Jacob (Adam’s Nephew) has no plans for his future and would much rather live his life through a computer than in the real world. 

Following Lou’s attempt to end his life, Adam and Nick decide to take him on a road trip back to a ski resort where they all shared a memorable weekend back in the eighties… dragging Jacob along for the ride, things look far from promising. That is of course until they try out a hot tub, which somehow has the ability to transport people back to 1986; to the very same weekend that the guys were there, first time around. 

As you can tell from the above description, this film could never really be taken too seriously. However, if you look upon this title as a mash up between Back to the Future and The Hangover, you begin to see it in a different light – realising it can’t all be as bad as it seems.

Starring John Cusack, Craig Robinson, Rob Corddry and Clark Duke as the leading four-some, it’s true to say the film doesn’t have that much of a cast to shout about; however, if you stop looking for reasons to criticise this movie for what it doesn’t have, you may begin to realise what it does have. 

At its core Hot Tub Time Machine, is a hilarious comedy that doesn’t require an awful lot if brain power to enjoy. There are laughs a plenty to be had as the guys begin to realise they are indeed back in the eighties, and more to follow as realisation hits regarding what must happen to allow them all to travel back to the present day.

Additionally, on a slightly deeper note, this film does in fact champion strong friendships and the ability and willingness to challenge our own destinies.

As is clear to see, this film is far from everybody’s cup of tea; however, if you are after something that is easy to watch, and will have you laughing within minutes, then why not give Hot Tub Time Machine a go?

Running time – 101 minutes
Certificate – 15

Rating; 7/10

"Blind Dating: A Light-Hearted Romantic Comedy" (Kerry Taylor) - Book

Published in April 2013, Blind Dating: A Light-Hearted Romantic Comedy is one of the latest releases to come from the pen of Spanish based self-publishing author, Kerry Taylor. 

This book introduces us to Kimberly; a divorced, forty-something mother of three whom has realised that it is about time she gets back out into the world of dating. Following encouragement from friends and co-workers, Kimberley decides to give on-line dating a whirl – however, is it for her, and what if the person she is waiting for just happens to have been under her nose this whole time?

From official descriptions of this title it would be easy to believe this book to be a quick, easy and enjoyable read – unfortunately, none of these assumptions ring true. In fact, in reality, it is hard to find a positive word to say about this book.

Firstly, despite the plot being rather predictable (as is the case with most rom-coms), the basic story did seem to hold some promise. However, after just a few short pages, it is clear to see this is not the case; the simple plot is indeed simple, to the point of being more or less completely see-through. In addition, every single last character featured within the books one hundred pages is completely one-dimensional.

Secondly, the writing style is a head-ache in itself; the entire premise of this book appears to be care-free and fun – reading this book is none of these things, as the general narrative and basic sentences structures are just all over the place… and the grammar? Well, where do you want to start?? Note to author; proof read your work before publishing!

In all honesty, anybody whom decides to give the book a go, and actually manages to finish it should be applauded greatly.

If ever there was a reason to not champion self-publishing, then this book and it appears in turn, this author is it. In addition, it also appears that said author is using her writing as an auto-biographical/self-medicating process; let’s be honest now, that’s never a good sign.

To conclude; unless you are after a cringe-tastic read that will send you to sleep within seconds – avoid this book!

Rating; 1/10

"Buried" (Matt Shaw) - Book

From the well-known pen of thriller writer, Matt Shaw comes yet another tantalising terror of a novella, Buried. 

Buried tells the story of Todd;  locked in a coffin on the day after his twenty-first birthday party, the entire story is told from Todd’s point of view as he struggles to come to terms with his seemingly horrific fate.

Will Todd manage to calm himself down enough to remember how he ended up in this mess, and if so, will he actually make it out alive?

As always, with any Matt Shaw title, you will not be disappointed; as with most of Shaw’s books, Buried is rather short in length – around 90 pages – however, do not be put off by this fact. If anyone has mastered the art of the short story, then it is Matt Shaw. 

Right from the very first sentence, you will find yourself catapulted into Todd’s extremely claustrophobic world; living his nightmare in that tiny box as he works hard to figure out the circumstances that led him to wear he is right now.

You will find yourself fully absorbed in the story, willing Todd to stay calm, whilst at the same time trying your best to figure out just why in fact, he has been buried alive. Full to the brim with a frighteningly realistic narrative, alongside enough description to send a shiver shooting up your spine, be assured that once you begin reading this book, you will not be able to stop.

Keeping you guessing right through to the very end, you will undoubtedly be kicking yourself with stupidity and embarrassment as you reach possibly one of the best conclusions to a modern day thriller novella.  

It is hard to find a bad word to say against Buried; if pushed, it would have to be its short length. However, padding out a tale such as this could actually ruin it completely; therefore it should stay exactly as it is – Thriller perfection!

If you are after an afternoon read that will engross you completely with all its grizzly detail, whilst at the same time keeping you guessing to the very end, then Buried has your name written all over it!

Rating; 10+/10

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