Role Models is the store brand version of a Judd Apatow movie. Director David Wain picks up many of Apatow’s usual cast members like Paul Rudd, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, and Elizabeth Banks. He places them in a tender story about maturity and life lessons. Then he tosses in the dick jokes and stirs. Despite clever packaging, the picture is closer to a standard studio recipe. But it’s funny enough to do the trick
Sales representatives Danny Donahue (Paul Rudd) and Wheeler (Seann William Scott) drive a monster truck around advertising the energy drink Minotaur. Danny shudders at the thought of ten more years of reciting the same sales pitch. Wheeler couldn’t care less. More money means more beer. Their lives come to a screeching halt when Danny has a public meltdown getting himself and Wheeler arrested. Rather than go to jail, both jump at the chance at performing community service in a Big Brothers-style program. Looney founder Gayle Sweeny (Jane Lynch, on loan from Apatow) matches Danny up with Augie Farks (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), a cape-wearing teen immersed in medieval fantasy. Ronnie Shields (Bobb’e J. Thompson), a foul-mouthed problem child, attacks Wheeler verbally and physically.
Like it or not, Role Models evokes past films, such as The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up. It’s about losers at the bottom of the food chain. Sulky Danny is all work and no fun. At his ten-year surprise anniversary party, Danny is surrounded by happy coworkers. Girlfriend Beth (Elizabeth Banks) motions for him to sing karaoke with her. But all he can do is slump in his chair and cover his face. Portraying a galactic-level cynic requires an actor who can resemble the smoldering remains of a Mythbusters experiment, maybe Ground Zero. After starring in Judd Apatow productions, Rudd is perfectly suited to the task. Similarly, Seann William Scott plays Wheeler who is essentially an older Stifler whom he played in American Pie. Both men fail hilariously babysitting the kids. The plot mandates they save themselves which is formulaic, but who cares?
Role Models marks the second major movie for Christopher Mintz-Plasse, who debuted in the Apatow-produced Superbad. Again, this newcomer exudes great enthusiasm. Mintz-Plasse plays Augie as a real kid with an unpopular hobby, instead of a dork knight. Though he does have to manage occasionally flat dialogue.
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