The most wildly fun and funny film at the movie theatres this year. “Role Models” is a charming, laugh your head off comedy with some talented humorists playing to their comedic strengths. The unlikely pairing of Paul Rudd (“Knocked Up”) and Seann William Scott (“American Pie” trilogy) in this buddy film pays off in unmatched chemistry and incredible punchline timing. The young actors who play their “little brothers” bring their own style of raw and awkward humor to the movie. Sometimes the kids upstage Rudd and Scott. There are plenty of moments of quotable wit and unexpected wisdom contained within a compelling plot that works on all levels.
Danny and Wheeler work for the Minotaur Energy Drink company as salesmen. They give halfhearted presentations to schools, in hopes of hooking young consumers on their product. Danny is frustrated with the lack of development in his life, both regarding his work and his semi-serious relationship with Beth (Elizabeth Banks; “Fred Claus”). Wheeler enjoys his party lifestyle and is not ready to give it up. They get in trouble with the law after a bad day and are ordered to do community service for a child mentoring organization. Danny is assigned Augie Farks (Christopher Mintz-Plasse; “Superbad”) a teenager with low self-esteem, who immerses himself in live action role-playing (LARPing) wielding styrofoam swords. Wheeler is designated a younger child named Ronnie Shields (Bobb’e J. Thompson; “Fred Claus”) who has trust issues and a mouth fouler than most grown-ups. Connecting with these children will not be easy but could be surprisingly rewarding.
This film enables Rudd’s hilarious tendency to gripe about the inanities of the modern world - like the sizes at Starbucks - and his sarcastic asides in response to authority figures. Rudd had a hand in writing the screenplay, which shows onscreen. Scott is permitted to play goofy and overly optimistic to Rudd’s curmudgeon, creating loads of opportunities for witty banter. Mintz-Plasse proves he is more than a one-hit wonder with a spot on portrayal of an insecure teen. He can still nail a one-liner with his whiney, high-pitched voice. Ronnie maintains his childish likeability despite the nasty things he says and does to Wheeler. Their relationship is especially affecting as a bond grows between them over women and the rock band KISS.
“Role Models” exceeds the bounds of the run-of-the-mill comedy, with an effective theme of men learning to grow up through their interactions with their young charges. A few minor romantic moments - especially one with Augie and a fellow LARPer maiden - and an exhilarating finale at a sword and sorcery competition, makes this film everything you could expect out of a comedy and more. Be prepared to hoot and holler in your seat.
Rated R for crude and sexual content, strong language and nudity.
