The Bottom Line
Seann William Scott and Paul Rudd are absolutely terrific as friends/co-workers sentenced to community service in Role Models, an R-rated comedy from writer/director David Wain. Funny, fast-paced, and with a surprising amount of heart, Role Models is a laugh out loud comedy worthy of two hours of your time.
Pros
- One of the best comedies of 2008
- Entertaining, well acted, and it even has a good message
- Great collection of bonus features
Cons
- A commentary track with the lead actors would have added another star to this review
Description
- Starring Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jane Lynch, and Elizabeth Banks
- Written by David Wain, Paul Rudd, & Ken Marino and Timothy Dowling
- Directed by David Wain
- Theatrical Release Rating: R for crude and sexual content, strong language and nudity
- DVD Release Date: March 10, 2009
Guide Review - 'Role Models' DVD Review
The Story
Danny and Wheeler are energy drink salesman who get into trouble with the law and are given the choice of either time in jail or 150 hours of community service. Opting for the lessor of two evils, Danny and Wheeler 'volunteer' with a mentoring program where they're paired up with a kid who cusses like a sailor and one who is obsessed with medieval role playing. Although initially they seem to be totally unsuited for, and ill-prepared to handle, the important job of being role models to impressionable kids, Danny and Wheeler find themselves connecting with their young charges and actually growing through the experience.
The Bonus Features
Writer/director David Wain is on his own on the commentary track and while he tosses out some interesting tidbits, it would have worked better had he been joined by at least one of his stars. Good, but not great, you can skip the commentary track and instead take a look at the 'On the Set of Role Models' featurette for big laughs and in-depth behind-the-scenes coverage. Also worth investing your time in checking out is the 'Game On: Creating a Role Playing World' segment which takes a look at the fights, costumes, and characters of the Laire event.The Unrated DVD also includes 'In-Character & Off-Script,' a hugely entertaining bit on the supporting characters. Additionally, there are 19 deleted/alternate scenes to peruse and an okay blooper reel that's not as funny as you'd expect.
