Role Models

Reviewed by:
James Jung

Directed by: David Wain

The Skinny: After fucking up for the final time, energy-drink sales duo Danny and Wheeler (Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott) are ordered to spend 150 hours volunteering as big brothers to lonely neighborhood kids. What they get are a LARPing (Live Action Role Playing to you n00bs) introvert (played by Superbad's McLovin') and a fast-talking, foul-mouthed grade schooler.

The Good: Unlike most raunchy comedies whose running times far exceed their laughs, Role Models saves the best for last with a climactic scene that'll have you laughing your dick off, not to mention beaming with a little male-bonding pride. Awww shucks, we said it.

The Bad: Despite said ending (which truly is too awesome to spoil), the first half of this flick feels contrived, if not too Apatow-esque. Is it just us, or are these juvenile yet heart-warming comedies becoming an epidemic? That said, if you can sit through the set up, Role Models' conclusion is well worth it.

McOver: A lot of people opined over McLovin's film career after he nearly stole Superbad. Would he be typecast at 18 and simply fizzle after such a hilarious performance? Sadly, it seems he might, because this movie only gives him another scrawny nerd character to work with.

Theater, DVD, or TNT in Five Years? Since it's not gut-bustingly funny the whole way through, nor will it be a cultural phenomena a la Knocked Up, this one's definitely a rental.

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