Film

What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases

Updates:

Role Models (2008)

Director: David Wain

Time Out rating

Average user rating

35 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

To the casual observer, it must seem as though developmentally challenged slackers have assumed total control of the Hollywood comedy machine. After ‘Knocked Up’ and ‘Pineapple Express’ (to name but two), ‘Role Models’ arrives as yet another tale of directionless thirtysomethings who are forced into awkward situations and stumble across the meaning of life. When this formula is poorly handled (as with the recent ‘Zack and Miri’) it can be excruciatingly shallow and crass. But when it works it can make for genuine, heartfelt comedy gold. ‘Role Models’ works.

Hauled in by the cops following a rampant energy juice bender, Danny (Paul Rudd) and Wheeler (a mercifully restrained Seann William Scott) are sentenced to 150 hours of community service in the company of two troubled kids: hyperactive, foul-mouthed ten-year-old Ronnie (Bobb’e J Thompson) and role-playing Dungeons & Dragons nerd Augie (Christopher ‘McLovin’’ Mintz-Plasse). The usual hi-jinks ensue, before everyone learns and grows and hugs, and Rudd sings a song.

So far, so predictable. But who cares when the script is tight, the jokes clever and numerous, the characters rounded and likeable and the soundtrack studded with ’70s rock classics? Added value comes in the form of some spectacularly off-the-wall cameo appearances, most notably Jane Lynch in another brittle, worrying performance as an ex-cokehead turned protector of children.
‘Role Models’ isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, just polish it up a little. What emerges is a memorable slice of modern slapstick, with charm to spare and just a touch of soul.

Author: Tom Huddleston 2009-01-06 10:26:11

Time Out London Issue 2003, 8 - 14 Jan, 2009

Bookmark

User reviews of this film

Puk said...

Posted on Apr 26 2009 12:15 Funniest film ave seen in ages ..... laugh a min stuff.
Some of the comedy is underlying though ... class act.

Report as inappropriate
vikki said...

Posted on Feb 28 2009 13:38 GO SEE THIS FILM, ive not laughed that much at a film like i did this one x

Report as inappropriate
Nicola said...

Posted on Feb 24 2009 17:23 Ross you ledge!!!

Report as inappropriate
courtney said...

Posted on Feb 22 2009 14:02 this film should be a 12A because 1. i recon it should be aged that and 2. you would get more people coming to watch it ... im not going to comment because i havnt been to watched it yet

Report as inappropriate
Whispering Eye said...

Posted on Feb 18 2009 12:45 Good film, lots of funny moments.

Report as inappropriate
rlt4to7 said...

Posted on Feb 09 2009 09:39 ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! One of the funniest modern films I have ever seen. Go and see it!

Report as inappropriate
Mollie said...

Posted on Feb 07 2009 11:26 Personally I didn't rate this film I thought it was quite bad considering the tallented actors in this film. Friends of mine absalutely loved the film. Its a bit of a love it or hate it film I suppose. I would reccomend to go and see it but I wouldn't guarantee you would enjoy it. :)

Report as inappropriate
ahmed said...

Posted on Feb 02 2009 13:15 i fink my credit to this movie is zero.

Report as inappropriate
ross said...

Posted on Jan 29 2009 21:36 amazin film worth going to see. all those people saying it was crap and boring shows how much fun you must have in life this film was made for a laugh not to be a sequal thats why they call it comedy it doesn't have to have you on the edge of your seat waiting on the storyline it's to make you laugh so stop snyping and enjoy life instead of being a borin old fart. defo recomend no matter what they say. defo bying dvd.

Report as inappropriate
roshan said...

Posted on Jan 27 2009 17:46 no way watch this movie again.so boring start to end.my credit to this movie is zero.

Report as inappropriate
unholy confessions said...

Posted on Jan 26 2009 11:10 Any film that starts with;
"Guess what I did last night? ;)
You're disgusting!"
And has refrecnces to kiss has to be a good film
Probably the best thing i've seen in ages

Report as inappropriate
T said...

Posted on Jan 25 2009 21:32 Aso "whispering eye"! That will stay with me for time....lol

Report as inappropriate
T said...

Posted on Jan 25 2009 21:31 This film was amazing! For all those moaning about seeing it on a saturday afternoon and being a waste need to stop. It just shows ur boring litte lives to us all. This film was unreal with its cmedy, direction, actors. I thought it was the best film for months and it made me laugh from start to end. Well worth watching. Highly Reccommend.

Report as inappropriate
Pete said...

Posted on Jan 25 2009 11:51 I completely agree with Beej, I also wasted my Saturday afternoon watching this. I normally agree with the Timeout reviews but this guy has totally missed the mark... 'the jokes clever and numerous'...rubbish, you could barely call it a comedy, it was mildly amusing at times but the story was so predictable and dull you won't feel much like laughing. Believe me you've seen this story a million times before... a guy having a mid-life crisis who's girlfriend dumps him and he tries to get her back, and a geeky kid trying to gain popularity status. You won't be surprised how the story ends, in fact you'll predict it half way through the movie while your bored mind starts to wander. This is essentially a kids movie disguised as something different by throwing a shed load of swearing and titty jokes into the mix. Teenagers and dumb people will enjoy it, anyone with a brain will see it for what it is... not in the least bit clever or funny.

Report as inappropriate
Beej said...

Posted on Jan 24 2009 18:43 Didn't enjoy this film at all. I usually enjoy films of this type but not this one. I have to say it's the worst 'comedy' film i've seen in a while. I have never felt so fedup on a Saturday afternoon!

Report as inappropriate