DVD Review: Role Models

Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott star in the outrageously funny comedy Role Models, coming to DVD and Blu-ray Hi-Def on March 10, 2009 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Also featuring memorable, laugh-out-loud performances from Elizabeth Banks, Christopher Mintz Plasse and Jane Lynch, DVD and Blu-ray fans will be able to choose between viewing the film in its theatrical rated version or over-the-top unrated version of the film not seen in theaters.

Review:
Role Models is the funniest movie I’ve seen so far this year, and I highly recommend it to those that are fans of movies like Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Zack and Miri Make A Porno. The film is the result of a collaboration between Paul Rudd, David Wain, Ken Marino, and Timothy Dowling who are all responsible for an incredible screenplay.

Role Models tells the story of Danny (Paul Rudd) and Wheeler (Seann William Scott) who are two salesmen for an energy drink company. They drive around in a ridiculously pimped out trunk (made to look like a minotaur) to various schools to spread the message of staying off drugs and picking up an energy drink instead. Danny has slowly become detached from life after working with the company for 10 years and being with his lawyer girlfriend Beth (Elizabeth Banks) for the last 7 years. Trying to turn things around, Danny arrives at Beth’s office one morning and makes a horribly un-romantic attempt at proposing which Beth immediately turns down. The day just gets worse for Danny from there. After a presentation gone wrong at one of the schools, Danny and Wheeler come outside to see their car getting towed. This doesn’t sit well with Danny, who gets back in his truck and breaks loose from the tow truck…. and then drives straight up a statue on the school’s lawn.

After getting arrested for the incident, Beth is able work out a deal where the pair would get 150 hours of community service over 30 days instead of jail. The guys agree and quickly find the program they’ve been assigned to, Sturdy Wings, is a lot more than they bargained for. The program assigns adults to kids who need a little extra love and attention in their lives, which sounds harmless enough until you see the little devil, Ronnie (Bobb’e J. Thompson), that Wheeler is paired with. Danny gets the better end of the deal with Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) who is socially awkward and loves role playing games. A series of comical events ensues bringing an ending which is somewhat predictable yet still enjoyable.

The cast as awhole does an amazing job, from the crazy program director Gayle played by Jane Lynch, to the supporting cast which includes a couple members (A.D. Miles and Joe Lo Truglio) from my favorite webseries Horrible People along with Ken Marino from Veronica Mars. It’s a great ensemble that provides nonstop laughter from beginning to end.

There are some great special features as well worth mentioning: deleted/alternate scenes (some of which really should have been left in the movie), bloopers, and various featurettes looking into the making of the film.

This is one to watch with your friends, so be sure to check it out!

Review by Emma Loggins

Grade: A
Official site: http://www.rolemodelsmovie.com/
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