By Jared Curtis jared@dmcityview.com
‘MacGruber’
Directed by Jorma Taccone
Rated R, 88 minutes
Will Forte created some memorable characters during his eight-year run on “Saturday Night Live.” And although a feature film based on “The Falconer” would be more exciting, I still had hope for the film version of his bumbling “MacGyver” rip-off, “MacGruber.” The majority of films based on “Saturday Night Live” skits have been routinely bad, and this movie is no exception. Even so, there were moments of laughter, making “MacGruber” worth a rental. Forte stars as MacGruber, a retired solider who went into hiding after the evil Dieter Von Cunth (Val Kilmer) killed his wife at their wedding. But Lt. Dixon Piper (Ryan Phillippe) finds and enlists him to stop Cunth before he uses a nuclear warhead. “MacGruber” is ridiculous but full of action, extreme violence (he rips throats out) and sexual innuendos. If you liked the skits, chances are you’ll like “MacGruber.” Otherwise let the timer on this bomb expire. CV
‘Hot Rod’
Directed by Akiva Schaffer
2007, Rated PG-13, 88 minutes
Although it wasn’t a “Saturday Night Live” skit, “Hot Rod” could have been Andy Samberg’s funniest reoccurring character. It’s their loss because “Hot Rod” is one of the funniest movies I’ve seen in a long time and is filled with laugh-out-loud absurdity and dialogue that will be quoted for ages. Samberg stars as Rod Kimble, who is quite possibly the worst stuntman ever. Along with his stepbrother Kevin (Jorma Taccone, who is part of The Lonely Island with Samberg and director Akiva Schaffer) and his two-man crew — Rico (Danny McBride) and Dave (Bill Hader) — Rod sets out to raise money for a heart operation for his stepfather Frank (Ian McShane of “Deadwood”). Rod physically fights Frank every day and doesn’t want him to die before he kicks his ass and earns his respect. Some might consider “Hot Rod” stupid, but it’s hilarity on a whole other level. Everyone should witness its greatness. CV
