Role Models DVD Bonus Features
Unrated Version Contains More Laughs From Actor-Writer Paul Rudd
Apr 5, 2009
Wheeler (Seann William Scott) and Danny (Paul Rudd, who also co-wrote the screenplay) make their livings by touring around the city in a ridiculous-looking van promoting an unhealthy energy drink at public schools.
How Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott Become Role Models
Danny makes the sales pitch, which includes stay-off-drugs advice, while guzzling the Red Bull-inspired drink onstage. Next to him is his sidekick, Wheeler, dressed in a furry Minotaur costume. When Danny’s lawyer girlfriend, Beth, (Elizabeth Banks) dumps him, he goes a little crazy while giving the sales talk and driving the van afterward. He racks up a list of misdemeanor citations that requires 30 days in jail. As his accomplice, Wheeler gets charged as well.
Instead of the jail time, Beth arranges for the duo to serve as mentors for at-risk boys through an agency called Sturdy Wings, run by its crazed leader Gayle Sweeny (Jane Lynch). Wheeler gets assigned to watch over a potty-mouthed troublemaker named Ronnie (Bobb’e J. Thompson) and Danny gets stuck with a nerdy Medieval live action role player named Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse). Though crude and offensive throughout, Wheeler and Danny are never mean-spirited, and in their own way offer something of value to the boys they mentor.
Role Models DVD Bonus Features
By far, the most enjoyable part of the bonus features is the ample selection of deleted scenes and alternate takes. Not only do they add a few more laughs, but in some cases enhance the story, too. For instance, a deleted “Security Guard” scene makes the part where Danny loses control of himself while driving the van a little more believable and sympathetic for viewers.
Other deleted scenes and alternate takes:
- “The Night Before”
- “In the Minataur Mobile”
- “Wheeler Loves His Job”
- “Coffee Shop”
- “Jail”
- “The Getting-To-Know-You Ball”
- “Buddha on TV”
- “Danny and Beth Coffee Shop Alternate”
- “The Soccer Mom”
- “Dinner Scene”
The bonus features also include “In Character & Off Script,” three segments where actors are interviewed in character about their roles (as a mentor to children and as live action role players): “Sturdy Wings Salutes: Martin Gary” with A.D. Miles; “Kuzzik: Proud Xanthian” with Joe Lo Truglio; and “Davith of Glencracken” with Matt Walsh.
- Role Models (Unrated Edition)
- Starring Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bobb’e J. Thompson, Elizabeth Banks, Jane Lynch, Ken Jeong, Ken Marino, A.D. Miles
- Director: David Wain
- Run Time: Theatrical version (99 minutes); Extended unrated version (102 minutes)
- Rating: Unrated (theatrical version was rated R for crude and sexual content, strong language and nudity)
- DVD Bonus Features Include: Deleted Scenes and Alternate Takes; Bloopers; "In Character & Off Script; On The Set of Role Models”; “Game On: Creating a Role Playing World”; Feature Commentary with director David Wain.
To learn more about reluctant role models in the movies, read Movie Review of True Adolescents.
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