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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

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User reviews of this film

Samantha said...

Posted on Jan 24 2009 10:49 I never usually like these sort of films, but it was a night out with my friends so I thought I would go. Absolutely brilliant, I laughed pretty much throughout all of it, and you know when you are repeating the lines of the movie for the next two weeks that you enjoyed it. The mix of adult and teenage humour was great and all the actors put in hilarious performances, :) watch it.

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cliptie said...

Posted on Jan 22 2009 15:08 There's funny lines, nerdy kids, even dafter adults and wannee be hoods all vying for a slot on the screen. A good teenie movie that's totally un-demanding - just fluffy stuff to pass the time.

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BigLittle said...

Posted on Jan 19 2009 11:58 Brilliant movie full of great moments and classic scenes, i was worried this would suck but ive never been so wrong!

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Maria said...

Posted on Jan 18 2009 21:23 I usually don't like these sorts of films, but this film was so funny I laughed from start to end, as did everyone else in the cinema! As for the adult language from the little fella, I think the idea is to show that a lot of kids now adays put out adult vibes because of circumstance, but all they wanna be deep down is a kid! As is shown in the final battle! Hiarious film balanced with some very poignant moments throughout! I'll be buying the DVD x

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DV said...

Posted on Jan 18 2009 16:14 Puerile is the word that best describes this movie. Enjoyed the always funny Jane Lynch though. I think she must have done it for the cash. Suggest that you go to see Yes Man instead. Unless you're 15.

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mez said...

Posted on Jan 16 2009 18:42 this is an awesome film with some great comedy i sugget a veiw what a movie.

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dawn@hotmail,co,uk said...

Posted on Jan 16 2009 14:43 this film was very funny!!! defo would go c it again! so 2 all those ppl that r sayn it was crap need to gt a grip coz this film was made to make ppl laff so stop wingein!

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Ben G said...

Posted on Jan 16 2009 01:04 Completely overhyped. A late saturday night film when all the top titles are gone from the local blockbuster. Disappointing but still mildly amusing, particularly the final third of the movie. The first two thirds was just typical of lame american romcoms. I still came out of the movie with that feel good feeling though.

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aforethought appreciated said...

Posted on Jan 15 2009 15:45 Oh dear...(please read pretentious review below). This is 'light hearted comedy. It was made for FUN! Got it? FUN! So to 'Hmmmm': Stop sniping, you pedant! Only a pretentious, try hard incompetent would compare this film to 'Defiance' or to put it in terms you might understand: This is not creme brulee...but it's Damn good jelly! Get off your high horse, chill out and spare us all the benefit of your vast lack of well-thought out opinion.

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Dear John said...

Posted on Jan 14 2009 14:24 If you didn't want to see the film, bought a ticket for something else and sat in the wrong cinema I don't see how you can have any valid comment on this film. Don't come on here sulking because you're too dumb to get up off your bum and go see the film you paid for. It's not fair to comment on a film if you claim to have had 'fingers in your ears and eyes closed throughout'! This film doesn't deserve your venom. It's fab!

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Craig Case said...

Posted on Jan 14 2009 13:27 This film had too many rotten ass kids in it. I spend the whole time itching my calf and missed most of the movie.
I liked the bit wen matthew cunningham was singing, and the bit when robert chalk got kicked in the tuckus.
AAAMAZINGO!!!

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Tbone said...

Posted on Jan 12 2009 23:10 Totally lived up to every good thing written in the other reviews! Laughed til it hurt... and worth going for the teacher alone!! You must see this film!

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Dan said...

Posted on Jan 11 2009 17:15 Brilliant Film

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Claire Francis said...

Posted on Jan 11 2009 14:48 This is a feel good film. Not an 'attempt'. Being a girl I was able to appreciate Seann William Scott's obviously well cared for torso and bulging biceps throughout, but the main reason that this is a feel good film is that it has just enough quirk to take it off the mainstream shelf. Apatow fans will love the numerous cameos. I agree that it's a shame the little boy was required to perform such adult dialogue and swearing but to be honest, I've heard worse in the playground and in real life he'll be 13 this February, (he's just short, which makes him look younger) so perhaps it's not such a tragedy afterall. The film had great dialogue, was well-cast with slick performances by all and despite this being a very 'laddy' film, I'd see it again in a heart beat. If you're still not sure I can tell you it's the first film I've seen in a very long time where the audience were chuckling together throughout, at the cheeky dialogue and more importantly everyone came out smiling. If you're after arthouse don't bother but if you want an 'upper' then give it a try.

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oliver ingham said...

Posted on Jan 11 2009 13:55 thought i was about seven years too old for this sort of thing but turned out to be a bit of a guilty pleasure. snappy surreal jokes coming thick and fast, haven't heard so many different people in a cinema genuinely laughing out loud since in bruges, a lot more bang for ya buck than i was expecting for sure! enjoy!

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