It's Just Movies

— by SEAN GERSKI —

Not unlike many people of my generation, John Cusack has always been one of my favorite actors, but it has been quite some time since he has done a movie that I can truly be excited about.

Now, with next year’s “Hot Tub Time Machine,” Cusack is once again doing a comedy — the genre that fits him best. The high-concept movie involves four guys who are transported back to the 1980s when they get into, well, a hot tub.

The trailer looks especially promising. Of note, though, is that the trailer’s biggest laugh might be the Michael Jackson joke, which could prove slightly problematic. As the trailer states, the events start in 2010. What do you think the reaction would be if you walked up to someone and asked them what color Michael Jackson is?

Regardless, “Hot Tub Time Machine” — destined to be referred to many times over as 2010’s version of “The Hangover” — will be released March 29, 2010. The movie also stars Chevy Chase, Craig Robinson, Kate Walsh, Rob Corddry, Lyndsy Fonseca, Crispin Glover, Lizzy Caplan and Clark Duke. It was directed by Steve Pink, who has worked with Cusack on “High Fidelity” and “Grosse Pointe Blank.”

Follow Sean Gerski on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DoubleDown44.