Hot Rod (2007)

This movie is about a hilariously naive self-proclaimed stuntman who has to raise $50,000 to get his step dad a heart replacement so that he can kick his ass, and in doing so, prove himself a man. I wasn't sure that it'd bring this promising story home, but i think they pulled it off.

Ironically, given that the movie is about a never-say-die moron who never successfully pulls off a stunt, the film makers clearly knew their limits and weren't laughing too hard at their own jokes. The jokes are pretty much in Napoleon Dynamite territory with goofy physical comedy and quirky but lovable losers. It definitely doesn't have the immersive atmosphere of Napoleon Dynamite but it does have some surprisingly creative sequences that don't get beaten to death.

Another impressive thing about this movie is how well the supporting cast was chosen, including Ian McShane (the dude from Deadwood), Sissy Spacek, and that one guy from the party scene in All the Read Girls (i think his best line in this movie is about wanting to fist fight the sun and punch it in "it's stupid face.") I guess Lorne Michaels (producer) has been doing this stuff for decades, so he's probably learned some tricks of the trade. Come to think of it, Stuart Saves his Family was a pretty hilarious movie too. Maybe i should finally see that "Pat" movie.

This probably won't be the funniest movie of the year, but it's not trying to be more than it is, and that works out just fine. (Update: i watched this movie again and now i think it may be the funiest movie i see all year, assuming there's nothing as hilarious as Borat.)