David Wain & Paul Rudd's Movie: Role Models

Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott Star, 2008 Buddy Movie

Apr 2, 2009 Margaret Burke

Despite the plot being paint-by-numbers predictable, the humor and dialogue of this film elevate it above most other "stupid comedies," due to charm and chemistry.

There is hardly a shortage of lowbrow comedies. However, occasionally a comedy comes along that is neither stupid nor gross, though it may masquerade as one. Role Models, especially from the trailers, may seem like the formulaic dumb buddy routine, but despite its predictability, offers charm and genuine laughs.

Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott

The actors in Role Models are absolutely what this film is all about. The two adult leads have a great dynamic together--Danny (Rudd) is the dry, sardonic type while his friend Wheeler (Scott) is the outrageous, loud, overtly sexual type. They pair beautifully. When a really bad day for Danny (catalyzed by his girlfriend's--Elizabeth Banks--dumping of him) lands them doing community service, it almost seems like it might be worse than jail for the two of them. They have to become big brothers for two kids, overseen by Gayle (Jane Lynch, who many consider the strongest star in the film), a bizarre ex-hippie who is keeping a suspicious eye on these two.

Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Bobb'e J. Thompson

Danny is matched up with Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and Wheeler gets Ronnie (Bobb'e J. Thompson). The language that comes from Ronnie's mouth (not to mention his drawings, viewed in his first scene) automatically gives the movie an edge--it's realistic, but rare to see a film cast a 12-year-old with such colorful dialogue. Augie (who's high-school age), it's apparent from the get-go, is deeply immersed in the dungeons and dragons world to a seemingly unhealthy degree. The two boys are a challenge the leads can barely tolerate.

Forget Predictability, Embrace Charm

It's surely possible to predict the path of our characters, probably down to each of its 101 minutes. Everyone knows it will be nearly impossible for each pair to ever like each other or even bond, but something will happen that slowly brings them together. Then each adult will (accidentally) do something catastrophic to destroy the trust they've built but will overcome their own pride and do whatever it takes to make things right again. To some extent, most movies are pretty obvious, but it's the details that make them stand out. Here, it's the performances, dialogue and chemistry between all four: it's honestly pulled off in a really humorous and sweet manner.

Rudd as Leading Man Delivers

Rudd's character especially (as the lead, fair enough) has the most to overcome, but it's a fairly believable journey for him. Despite his willingness to do anything to win back his girlfriend, it's only the friendship with a young kid that can bring about the changes he needs. (Naturally, the girlfriend will be there when it happens.) Danny can't possibly learn to defeat his pride or the growing cynical bitter streak toward life without the lessons Augie inadvertently teaches him. It's an interesting idea--the underlying theme to this film--that you can't get everything from one person.

Role Models can be viewed as goofy and silly or sentimental and sweet--it does all of the above quite well. But just don't write it off as "another one of those movies." If you can tolerate (or even enjoy) a little crude humor, you're in for a treat.

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Role Models, 2008