Movie Reviews: Hot Tub Time Machine 2, The DUFF, Mr. Turner | Buzz Blog

Friday, February 20, 2015

Movie Reviews: Hot Tub Time Machine 2, The DUFF, Mr. Turner

Posted By on February 20, 2015, 8:45 AM

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The biography of a great British artist and the return of that time-traveling jacuzzi are among this week's new releases in Utah theaters.

Eric D. Snider laments Hot Tub Time Machine 2 missing the emotional center of John Cusack's character from the original, leaving little but one-dimensional vulgarity.

Scott Renshaw finds charm overcoming the derivative elements in the high-school comedy The DUFF, particularly Mae Whitman's engaging performance as the titular "Designated Ugly Fat Friend." The lead performance is also the best thing about Match, with Patrick Stewart doing terrific work as a bisexual New York dance teacher facing a very awkward interview.

Danny Bowes praises Mike Leigh's Mr. Turner both for its visual approximation of celebrated British painter J.M.W. Turner's style, and for Timothy Spall's richly human lead performance. And in this week's feature review, Bowes laments the return of the tired Great White Savior trope in the fact-based underdog sports drama McFarland, USA.

About The Author

Scott Renshaw

Scott Renshaw

Bio:
Scott Renshaw has been a City Weekly staff member since 1999, including assuming the role of primary film critic in 2001 and Arts & Entertainment Editor in 2003. Scott has covered the Sundance Film Festival for 25 years, and provided coverage of local arts including theater, pop-culture conventions, comedy,... more

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