Comedies have really upped the ante in the past few years. Not only have comedic films have become raunchier, they’ve become movies that often have something important to say or even include a little bit of heart. “Role Models” raises the bar yet again as it mixes humor and heart together to a point of perfection.
“Role Models” is about two underachieving energy drink promoters: Danny (Paul Rudd, “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up”), who is bitter with everyone and everything, and Wheeler (Seann William Scott, “American Pie”), who loves life, liquor and ladies. After a particularly rough day, the duo is arrested for crashing a truck and sentenced to 150 hours of community service at “Sturdy Wings.”
Watched closely by the organization’s founder (Jane Lynch, “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”), they both have to play big brother to a maladjusted kid. Wheeler is assigned to the foul-mouthed Ronnie Shields (Bobb’e J. Thompson, “Fred Claus,” TV’s “Human Giant”), a boy without a father who also happens to be obsessed with looking at women’s chests. Danny is assigned to geeky Augie Farks (Christopher Mintz-Plasse, “Superbad), a kid who loves LARPing (Live Action Role Playing), and is a constant disappointment to his parents.
Rudd wrote the screenplay with director David Wain (“The Ten,” “Wet Hot American Summer”), which is perhaps why every line out of Rudd’s mouth is perfect. He plays his quintessential self here- not the goofball of “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” or “Anchorman” or the romantic guy of “Clueless” or “Overnight Delivery.” Dry wit and sarcastic one-liners come naturally to Rudd and it shows when he works with Wain. They may be the best comedic actor/director pairing out there, along with Will Ferrell and Adam McKay.
Mintz-Plasse will always be thought of as “McLovin”- but that’s only because “Superbad” was his breakout role and “McLovin” is just plain fun to say out loud. Though his character name in “Role Models” is another fun one (Augie Farks), his character is completely different. He’s layered and has depth- his goals aren’t just to score some beer and a lady. In “Role Models,” he just wants to be himself without the world making fun of him. Most importantly, Mintz-Plasse brings a realism to his character to the point that he reminds me of people I actually know. He and Rudd share an amazing chemistry. Their characters’ interactions are the highlight of the film and how that relationship evolves is the crux of this movie.
Scott finally breaks out of his “Stifler” role, even though he’s still playing a slacker who loves sex and beer. What separates Wheeler from Stifler is that Wheeler is actually a good friend, which makes all the difference. This is the first time I’ve ever found Scott likable. He has an optimistic na’veté and energy about him in “Role Models,” similar to James Franco in “Pineapple Express,” but not quite so innocent.
On the opposite end of the innocent spectrum is young Bobb’e J. Thompson has the foulest mouth in the film. But he does it so well that you might even forget that shows like “South Park” made swearing children funny a long time ago. Thompson makes the joke seem fresh again and shines. He also nearly earns the film its hard R-rating all by himself, with some help from Scott. Frankly, this is an example of perfect casting and I look forward to what Thompson will do in the future.
My only complaint with “Role Models” lies with Lynch’s character. Lynch is hilarious as usual, but in this film she tends to overstay her welcome. Her jokes, though funny, are repetitive. Every scene feels drawn out, especially because it’s taking away from the focus of the film, which is the relationship between the “bigs” and “littles” of Sturdy Wings.
Overall, the script is phenomenal. “Role Models” is filled with double entendres and jokes that will make you laugh so loud you might miss the next one. The film also has moments that are so epic and hilarious that you can’t help but cheer.
“Role Models” is so funny that it can’t be done justice through a review. If you really want to get a taste of what “Role Models” has to offer, go watch the red band trailer for the film. It offers just a taste of what you’re getting: filthy fun that will make you laugh and cheer for more.
