Role Models
December 7th, 2009
S: Okay, I have a secret. On the weekends, I hang out with people that dress up and hit each other with stuff. I have to disclose this, because I understand Augie’s world really well, and sometimes I get swept up in it just like he does, and other times, I think it’s just as goofy as Danny does. While we don’t have a dude dressed up like a Centaur, we do have our eccentricities. One of the things I loved about Role Models, is how it both makes fun of misfits, and sympathizes with them, even appreciates them.
Danny Donahue (Paul Rudd) is finding that being a cynic is making his life more and more difficult. He is grouchy and lacks enthusiasm for his job, his life, and his relationship. His co-worker, Wheeler, is a “dude” who thinks he’s Danny’s friend and is always on the lookout for a good time. When Danny freaks out at the breakup of his relationship and gets in trouble with the law – and takes Wheeler with him – the only option they have is jail, or going into community service (a big brother/sister organization called Sturdy Wings).
Of course, they get paired with two kids that are misfits in their own way. Augie, who is in a live action role-playing group, and Ronnie, a foul-mouthed kid who likes boobies and has gone through numerous “bigs” until paired with Wheeler. At first Danny and Wheeler are just trying to log enough hours so that they can stay out of jail, but eventually they care about their charges and get involved in their lives. The end is a big war with all of Augie’s role-playing allies and enemies, and the only way they can succeed is to work together. The movie is in the same vein as 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, and The Hangover, and even though those movies are hilarious, this movie has something more. I think it has a heart – as the boys learn something from these two seemingly worthless adults, the adults learn things from the boys as well. In a world where none of these four people can depend on anyone, they learn to depend on each other – but instead of it being some Disney-like feel good movie, this one is full of profanity, fart jokes, and Kiss makeup. I love it.
I can recommend it heartily!!!
