Comedy
United States of America
Role Models is a 2008 American comedy film directed by David Wain and written by Wain, Timothy Dowling, Paul Rudd, and Ken Marino. The film stars Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott as Danny and Wheeler, two energy drink salesmen who are sentenced to community service after driving a company truck into a statue of a horse.
To avoid jail time, Danny and Wheeler agree to participate in a mentorship program called "Sturdy Wings" that pairs them with troubled kids. Danny is paired with a socially awkward teenager named Augie, who is obsessed with medieval role-playing games. Wheeler is paired with a foul-mouthed boy named Ronnie, whose mother is in jail.
Initially, Danny and Wheeler are reluctant to participate in the program and treat it as a joke. However, they soon realize that their actions have consequences and that they have the power to make a positive impact on the lives of their mentees. Over the course of the film, Danny and Wheeler bond with Augie and Ronnie, helping them overcome their personal struggles and teaching them valuable life lessons.
Along the way, Danny starts a romance with Beth, the founder of Sturdy Wings, and Wheeler struggles to balance his responsibilities as a mentor with his desire to party and have fun. The film features a number of comedic set pieces, including a medieval battle reenactment and a role-playing game tournament.
Overall, Role Models is a heartwarming and hilarious film that explores the power of mentorship and the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. With its standout performances from Rudd and Scott, as well as its sharp writing and clever humor, Role Models has become a beloved cult classic.
