Quick Movie Review: Role Models (2008)

Quick Movie Review: Role Models (2008)

Bottomline: Funny and surprisingly warm. Primarily has male appeal, but could be enjoyed by the fairer sex.

Pros: The cast is surprisingly strong and make this movie work. Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd, and Jane Lynch are excellent. The two kids are played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse (McLovin' from Superbad (2007)) and Bobb'e J. Thompson and they are terrific. It is a funny, funny movie.

Cons: As you may expect (and some people would consider this a "pro"), the movie is crude and lewd. The language is rough but not over the top (see Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008) for incredibly bad language).

Where Can I See It?: It is available for rent.

QMR Opinion: There is no secret twist to this movie. It is straight-up funny. You know where it's going and where it will end. But it sure is a lot of fun to get there. Seann William Scott and Paul Rudd play friends who end up in trouble with the law. Their penance? Perform community service by being "Bigs" to two children. This is really where the movie hits its stride. The interaction between the two men and the two children is natural and all four actors hold their own. This is a fun, light-hearted comedy that has its moments of warmth and poignancy (yes, it surprised me too). Many have been where Rudd's character is -- worrying that he is wasting his life. Many of us have been where the kids are -- alone, on the outside looking in and in need of attention. Jane Lynch is terrific as the head of the agency that places the "Bigs" with the "Littles." Elizabeth Banks plays a decidedly secondary role as Rudd's girlfriend. To add to my own personal enjoyment of the movie is the KISS theme that plays a key role in the film.