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Unconventional "Role Models" deliver
Comedy refreshes typical storyline
By Paul Imig
After a few years of mediocrity with limited-release movies like “Southland Tales” and “The Promotion,” this may be a comeback of sorts for Scott, who is back to playing the type of character that made him famous throughout the “American Pie” trilogy.
“Role Models” follows the lives of two energy drink salesmen, Danny and Wheeler (played by Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott), who drive school to school in a company vehicle that looks like a bull riding around on four monster truck tires. Their message to students is simple; “Don’t do drugs.” Their alternate solution, however, is to instead make sure you have enough Minotaur Energy Drink in your system to keep you going.
After having an even-worse-than-usual day, Danny (Rudd) ends up getting himself and Wheeler arrested while on an energy drink-fueled rage. Their lawyer, who is also Danny’s now-ex-girlfriend Beth (played by Elizabeth Banks, who is making her third appearance in theaters this month), is able to change the guys’ jail sentence into 150 hours of community service, through a program called Sturdy Wings, a Big Brothers/Big Sisters-type program.
This is where Danny meets his “little,” Augie (played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse, better known as McLovin from “Superbad”), and Wheeler is assigned to Ronnie (played by Bobb’e J. Thompson, who easily has to shatter any previous movie record for profanity uttered by someone under the age of 13). Both Danny and Wheeler have a hard time connecting with their “littles” at first and have no real interest in them other than trying to finish their community service. Soon, through a few failed attempts, including a camping trip gone wrong, the guys realize that they can make a positive impact on these kids’ lives. They become invested in helping them out any way possible, even if it means having to convince Augie’s mom that her son is special and should be allowed to do whatever makes him happy, even if that means walking around in a cape.
After a few years of mediocrity with limited-release movies like “Southland Tales” and “The Promotion,” this may be a comeback of sorts for Scott, who is back to playing the type of character that made him famous throughout the “American Pie” trilogy. Here he plays Wheeler, a care-free guy who likes to party, is popular with pretty much everyone, and despite having to dress up in a furry “Minotaur” costume at work, is happy with his life. It wouldn’t take a huge stretch of the imagination to believe that Wheeler is the grown-up version of Stifler.
Rudd, this is the movie that should bring him many more starring roles in the near future. Sure, he was great in his supporting roles in “Anchorman” and “Knocked Up," but this was the long overdue example that Rudd is capable of starring in a major comedy hit. Despite his sharing equal billing with Scott, “Role Models” focuses on Rudd’s character Danny getting out of his rut and learning to appreciate everything around him. His performance in the film only builds the anticipation for the expected January 2009 release of “I Love You, Man,” which stars Rudd alongside “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” star Jason Segel.
“Role Models” follows the fairly typical formula of ‘guy who is down on life finds a way to bounce back,' but does so in a new, refreshing way. Rudd and Scott make a great duo, and have several memorable, hilarious scenes together. Plus, if you’ve ever wanted to see four guys dressed up as the rock band KISS, fighting with fake swords in an effort to win a Dungeons and Dragons-style tournament, then that is worth the price of admission alone.
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