Role Models

Paul Rudd proves to be a modern-day Jack Lemmon in the crude curmudgeon-centered comedy Role Models. The film centers on Danny (Rudd) and Wheeler (Seann William Scott), a couple of co-workers who have absolutely nothing in common. Danny is a cantankerous grouch whose bad attitude is sabotaging his long-term relationship with his fed-up girlfriend (Elizabeth Banks), while Wheeler is—well—a freewheeler, with a new girl each night and a sunny disposition each morning. But after Danny's rage lands them both in mandatory community service, the pair begins to form an unlikely friendship, not only with each other, but also with the two boys they are court-ordered to mentor, a foul-mouthed 10-year-old (Bobb'e J. Thompson) and a withdrawn teen into live action role-playing (Christopher Mintz-Plasse). The script, by Rudd and collaborators Ken Marino and director David Wain, is filled with sharply snarky humor, wacky characters, and wild physical comedy that makes it a standout among R-rated laugh-fests. Yet this seemingly cynical feature's strongest virtue is its surprising optimism and emotional depth. Through Rudd's deftly realized transformation from sneering sourpuss to stand-up goofball, Role Models manages to be more than funny; it's insightful, and, ultimately, one of the best comedies of the decade.