Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)

A group of friends past their prime and down on their luck attempt to rekindle memories of their youth at a ski resort they once frequented. One has to suspend disbelief when they discover their hot tub is a time machine. It's a blatant no-brains, have-a-blast type of comedy with plenty of raunchy humor and over-the-top performances. And despite a slow start, the film does a nice job of fitting in stories for each of the ensemble cast. Now in the 80s they act to change their pathetic destinies and find a way back to their own timeline. The only real eye sore is the absolutely terrible green screen effects.

3 one-armed Crispin Glovers out of 5

THE CROODS [2013]

How To Train Your Dragon director/screenwriter Chris Sanders & Kirk DeMicco crank up the fun in the CGI animated comedy The Croods.

Aided by some great voicework (particularly Ryan Reynolds hilariously perfecting smug bastard), some colorful heart-racing action scenes and composer Alan Silvestri doing his best work since The Mummy Returns, the film is light on substance but high on fast-paced entertainment.  The first 15 minutes might be a little too boring but I think it's intentional to polarize the ride you're taken on afterwards.  It's really goofy but the heart of the story wins you over with laughs and action.

3½ mother-in-laws out of 5