Role Models

****
Release Date: January 9th 2009

Wild behavior forces a pair of energy drink reps to enroll in a Big Brother program.

Director: David Wain

Starring: Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bobb'e J. Thompson, Jane Lynch, Ken Jeong

Role Models is one of those rare comedies that isn't out of the ordinary yet it's ingenious because of the acting talent. It has some of the hottest comedians out there. Christopher Minrz-Plasse has jumped in celebrity status since his nerdy, enthralling character Fogell/McLovin from Superbad, Seann William Scott is widely familiar in the American Pie films, and Paul Rudd... well he has a impeccably natural skill unlike any other, notably so in Anchorman and The 40-Year-Old Virgin.

The fourth individual has a lot to live up to surrounded by this well-known trio. Bobb'e J. Thompson is the youngest of them, releasing this new energy through his four-letter cussing and erratic attitude. A filthy mouthed youth is funnier on screen than it is on paper.

The scene accompanying the opening credits not only introduces us to the main characters, but sets up what's to come. Wheeler (Scott) and Danny (Rudd) represent energy drink company Minotaur, going from school to school advertising their products by proving it's a fine alternative to drugs. Stuck in a habitual rut, Danny is dumped by long-term partner Beth (Banks) because of his negative attitude. Going (a little) off the rails, Danny and (not necessarily) Wheeler end up stuck in an ultimatum of jail time or community service. They choose the latter and are forced to mentor two youngsters in the Sturdy Wings program.

They have difficulty relating to Ronnie (Thomspon) and Augie (Mintz-Plasse). Ronnie accuses Wheeler of touching his 'junk' whilst Danny cannot comprehend Augie's love for Laire (Live Action Interactive Roleplaying Explorers). Getting to know them is the trickiest part of their service.          

Role Models is all fun and games up to the point where Danny and Wheeler make mistakes, then learn life long lessons, and grow up in the process. No thoughts occur that they're irresponsible 'bigs to their 'littles'. The actor's improvisation is key to this film recipe and the way the actors handle their dialogue is excellent. Danny and Wheeler's chemistry is believable like they've been the best of friends for years.   

Some of the more absurd, funnier quotes come from the supporting cast. Joining Thompson and Mintz-Plasse is Jane Lynch (The 40-Year-Old Virgin), the head of Sturdy Wings, incessantly badgering on about her cocaine addiction and bullshitters bullshitting are a little awkward but a barrel of laughs ('Me and the judge have a special relationship... I don't wanna get too graphic but I sucked his dick for drugs.'), and Ken Jeong, king of Laire, familiar from Knocked Up and Pineapple Express, is a clear winner in the nonsensical humour.

Overview: A very entertaining film with plenty of laughs. The acting helps make Role Models outshine the average comedies.