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Movies / On DVD / Role Models
Role Models

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Role Models (2008)

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Reviews Counted:10

Fresh:9

Rotten:1

Average Rating:6.8/10

Consensus: Role Models is a frequently crude, always funny comedy with the cast providing solid work throughout.

Rated: 15 [See Full Rating] for crude and sexual content, strong language and nudity.

Runtime: 1 hr 42 mins

Genre: Comedies

Theatrical Release:09-01-2009

Synopsis: Director David Wain (WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER) capably mixes the saucy and the sentimental in the bawdy boys-to-men comedy ROLE MODELS. Stuck-in-a-rut Danny Donahue (Paul Rudd) and womanizing... Director David Wain (WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER) capably mixes the saucy and the sentimental in the bawdy boys-to-men comedy ROLE MODELS. Stuck-in-a-rut Danny Donahue (Paul Rudd) and womanizing man-child Wheeler (Seann William Scott) work together promoting Minotaur energy drink to high school students. But when Danny's girlfriend Beth (Elizabeth Banks) dumps him because he lacks maturity, his lashing out threatens to land him and Wheeler in jail. Their only way out is to act as mentors at Sturdy Wings, a Big Brother-esque organization run by reformed addict--and unrepentant flirt--Gayle Sweeny (Jane Lynch). There, Danny is paired with the decidedly dorky Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) while Wheeler is the latest victim to take on foul-mouthed Ronnie (Bobb'e J. Thompson). After a bumpy beginning, both Danny and Wheeler connect with their kids over everything from sword-and-sorcery role playing to the chick-scoring power of the band Kiss. But when these two presumptive adults put their charges' well-being in jeopardy, they face both jail time and the loss of everyone's respect. With their own friendship on the brink of ruin, Danny and Wheeler--not to mention a little help from the magic of Kiss--must reach deep inside to prove to the world how responsible they can truly be. In the spirit of films like KNOCKED UP and THE 40-YEAR OLD VIRGIN, ROLE MODELS features a healthy dose of sharp humor and juvenile gags balanced by a feel-good message that growing up doesn't mean giving up what makes each of us special. [More]

Starring: Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jane Lynch

Starring: Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jane Lynch, Bobb'e J. Thompson, Elizabeth Banks, Ken Jeong

Director: David Wain

Director: David Wain
Screenwriter: David Wain, Paul Rudd, Ken Marino, Tim Dowling, W. Blake Herron
Producer: Mary Parent, Scott Stuber, Luke Greenfield
Composer: Craig Wedren
Studio: Universal Pictures

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1 - 4 of 10

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Reviews for Role Models

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1 - 10 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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A great example of the Emotionally Stunted Men Grow A Heart sub-genre. Role Models staves off the January blues and puts a marker down as 2009’s laugh-out-loud comedy to beat.

Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | comment Comment
01/09/09
Ian Freer
Ian Freer
Empire Magazine
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

‘Role Models’ isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, just polish it up a little. What emerges is a memorable slice of modern slapstick, with charm to spare and just a touch of soul.

Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
01/09/09
Tom Huddlestone
Tom Huddlestone
Time Out
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

It may be slight, it may be derivative, but this comedy for (if not quite about) adults is also deliriously funny.

Full Review Source: Channel 4 Film | comment Comment
01/09/09
Anton Bitel
Anton Bitel
Channel 4 Film
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The upbeat ending is inevitable but the script’s undercurrent of scalding sarcasm keeps it fresh.

Full Review Source: Times [UK] | comment Comment
01/09/09
Wendy Ide
Wendy Ide
Times [UK]
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Role Models is exuberantly staged, fitfully funny and boasts a glorious supporting turn from Jane Lynch as the demagogic onetime addict.

Full Review Source: Guardian [UK] | comment Comment
01/09/09
Xan Brooks
Xan Brooks
Guardian [UK]
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Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | comment Comment
01/09/09
Empire Magazine
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Role Models pours sugar and cream on everything and turns it to mush.

comment Comment
11/07/08
Stephen Holden
Stephen Holden
New York Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Role Models is the kind of movie you don't see every day, a comedy that is funny.

Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | comment Comment
11/06/08
Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

If the material has a formulaic feel and the dialogue often skews more rude than clever, Role Models nonetheless amuses throughout. That's in large part due to the stars, whose roles very much play to their familiar comic strengths.

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
10/20/08
Dennis Harvey
Dennis Harvey
Variety
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A broad but satisfying multiplex comedy.

Full Review Source: Hollywood Reporter | comment Comment
10/20/08
John DeFore
John DeFore
Hollywood Reporter
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1 - 10 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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