Score: 1/5 
A hot tub time machine would definitely be useful while watching this movie — to go to the future and skip to the end credits.
In “Hot Tub Time Machine 2,” the gang must go back in time to save Lou, who has gotten himself in deep trouble. Chaos ensues as they use the hot tub time machine and accidentally end up in the future. The film stars Rob Corddry as Lou, Craig Robinson as Nick, Clark Duke as Jacob and Adam Scott as John Cusack’s replacement, Adam Jr.
The first “Hot Tub Time Machine” was a plot just as absurd as this one, but it was at times funny and had a quirky charm. This sequel lacks any of the charm the original had, and is just plain unfunny. “Hot Tub Time Machine 2” really boils down to one penis joke after another.
Of course suspension of disbelief is implied when talking about a hot tub time machine, but the plot of this movie becomes convoluted and silly, and by the end, it’s hard to care.
The problem with this film isn’t the actors. All of the actors are serviceable, but they are given so little to work with and such unfunny material.
Instead of comedy, the film veers into cruelty, with distasteful jokes, one involving basically a nationally televised rape.
One of the film’s biggest problems in regards to cruelty is the character Lou. Sure he was just as much of a jerk in the first movie, but here it’s amped up to the highest degree. This leaves Lou without a single redeeming quality.
Lou is cruel, shallow and rarely ever funny, just like everything else in “Hot Tub Time Machine 2.” No matter the genre of movie, no one wants to watch a supposed protagonist or main character who is so utterly unlikeable his own son spends the entire film wishing he was dead.
Another issue is the ensemble’s dynamic. These characters all seem to genuinely hate each other. This kind of dynamic can work sometimes, but not for a film’s entire runtime. Even “The Breakfast Club” cast liked each other eventually, and they were pretty much strangers.
Another comparable dude ensemble movie is “The Hangover,” but those guys seemed to actually care for one another.
“Hot Tub Time Machine 2” is nothing like those films. It is heartless and soulless.
John Cusack deserves props for making what turned out to be a very wise decision. He comes out of this looking like a genius for deciding to not be in the sequel.
Even Craig Robinson couldn’t save this one.
You can reach Kayla Randall on Twitter @Kay_Rand21.