The film introduces us to a more obscure pastime than dodge ball: Live-Action Role-Playing or larping. If you don’t know what larping is, well — you’re definitely not the only one. Let me help you out. Since my college had a medieval studies program, I ran into larpers frequently. Think World of Warcraft in a park. Combatants face off wielding foam swords or, if they’re a wizard, menacing hand gestures. The plot is funniest and sweetest when it follows Danny’s journey into Augie’s world.
At first, Danny snubs LAIRE, Augie’s game. He doesn’t wear a costume. He especially refuses to follow the realm’s ruler, King Argotron (Ken Jeong, another Apatow Acolyte). Argotron, whose name sounds like a fusion of Greek mythology and Transformers, holds court in a burger restaurant across the street. He demands people bow in his presence and kiss his ring. Eventually, Danny discovers an outlet for stress and that fun is fun no matter how silly it looks to outsiders.
Despite such a ripe concept, Role Models never hits enough outrageous moments. I smiled most of the time but never saw a defining scene to separate it from similar movies. The plot repeats too many jokes from other hits. I believe the “use your peripherals” gag has now officially been overused. At least Wheeler delivers it in a way that would make Stifler proud. I propose a two-year ban on the joke. His scenes with Ronnie start out shocking, but become boring. Not to mention that a 30-something guy talking about boobies and KISS songs with a 10-year-old feels a bit creepy to me.
I wish the film focused on the roleplayers, who seemed to have a more interesting story to tell. I wanted to learn more about Fark’s crush, a quiet rogue named Esplen (Alexandra Stamler). In the battle royale at the picture’s climax, this girl surprises everybody. But she’s underused. Role Models isn’t spectacular but it’s entertaining enough to make you forget about its over-easy plot. The movie magically stays above average and charms more than it should.
Grade: B-
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