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Bookmark this pageRole Models (2008)
Director: David Wain
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
Time Out London Issue 2003, 8 - 14 Jan, 2009
User reviews of this film
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- jmd said...
- Posted on Jan 10 2009 22:20 Is it just me?? I find it really worrying when child actors (like the cute black kid) are made to articulate very adult dialogue...I thought there were child protection laws when underage kids are performing?? I'm talking about all the gratuitous sexual references...it would have been funnier without them. Also could have done without the endless "battle" scene which comprised the last 3rd of the film. Enjoyed Jane Lynch's performance though and the 2 male leads.
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- Madison said...
- Posted on Jan 10 2009 11:57 Silly but funny
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- Stuee said...
- Posted on Jan 09 2009 18:09 I picked this film because of the time it was showing! It turned out to be the best film I have seen in ages! Loved it!
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- ms said...
- Posted on Jan 09 2009 15:06 Loved it go and see
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- soph said...
- Posted on Jan 08 2009 16:00 why the hell are people commenting in this 'REVIEW' section when they havn't seen it yet. Its pointless. I want a review on the film not on what someone wants to do or peoples personal life!
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Cast & crew
Director: David Wain
Cast: Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bobb'e J. Thompson, Elizabeth Banks, Jane Lynch, Ken Jeong, Ken Marino full cast
Genre(s): Comedy
Rated: 15
Duration: 99 mins
UK Release: Jan 9 2009
US Release: Nov 7 2008
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