Role Models Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two man-children accidentally adopt a foul-mouthed kid and a LARPing nerd after crashing their Minotaur-mobile, leading to shenanigans involving KISS and questionable life choices.

🍿 Role Models: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Danny and Wheeler

Danny and Wheeler are thirty-something energy drink salesmen who lack direction in their lives. Danny is cynical and stuck in a rut, while Wheeler is a carefree womanizer. They promote a drink called Minotaur to high school students, ironically advocating against drug use while peddling a sugary, caffeinated beverage.

Community Service Assignment

After a disastrous work event and a run-in with the law involving a tow truck, Danny and Wheeler are sentenced to community service at Sturdy Wings, a mentoring program. They are tasked with becoming ‘Big Brothers’ to troubled kids. Danny is paired with Augie, a LARP enthusiast, and Wheeler with Ronnie, a foul-mouthed young boy.

Bonding and Initial Challenges

Initially, Danny and Wheeler struggle to connect with their respective ‘Littles.’ Danny finds Augie’s LARPing hobby absurd, and Wheeler is overwhelmed by Ronnie’s unruly behavior. However, as they spend more time together, they begin to bond with the boys and find common ground. Wheeler introduces Ronnie to KISS, while Danny reluctantly participates in Augie’s LARP activities.

Setbacks and Conflict

Their progress is threatened when Danny and Wheeler make mistakes that lead to their expulsion from Sturdy Wings. Danny defends Augie after a conflict during a LARP game, causing them to be banned. Wheeler takes Ronnie to an adult party and leaves him unsupervised, resulting in Ronnie walking home alone. These incidents lead to their dismissal from the program and a looming jail sentence.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Danny (Paul Rudd): A bitter energy drink salesman forced into community service who learns to embrace life through mentoring a LARPing teen.
• Wheeler (Seann William Scott): An immature and fun-loving energy drink promoter who finds unexpected responsibility as a mentor to a foul-mouthed kid.
• Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse): A socially awkward teenager obsessed with LARPing who finds confidence and acceptance through his unlikely mentor, Danny.
• Ronnie (Bobb’e J. Thompson): A street-smart and foul-mouthed young boy who learns to connect with others through his mentorship with Wheeler.
• Beth (Elizabeth Banks): Danny’s ex-girlfriend and lawyer who tries to help him, while also standing her ground.
• Sweeny (Jane Lynch): The tough but caring ex-addict who runs the Sturdy Wings program and oversees Danny and Wheeler’s community service.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gayle Sweeny: “You know what I ate for breakfast? Cocaine. You know what I ate for lunch? Cocaine. I’m just kidding, it was Special K.” – Gayle introduces herself, using shock humor to set the tone for her unorthodox methods.
• Danny: “No, venti is twenty. Large is large. In fact, tall is large and grande is Spanish for large. Venti is the only one that doesn’t mean large. It’s also the only one that’s Italian. Congratulations, you’re stupid in three languages.” – Danny’s sarcastic rant highlights his general dissatisfaction with modern life.
• Wheeler: “Taste the beast!” – The Minotaur energy drink slogan, repeated enthusiastically by Wheeler, becomes a running gag.
• Danny: “Augie, you do what makes you happy.” – Danny realizes Augie’s family doesn’t support his hobbies, so he encourages Augie to follow his passion.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $28,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $67,294,270
• Worldwide Gross: $92,649,419

💥 Role Models Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing this movie in college and absolutely losing it! The mix of Rudd’s deadpan humor with Scott’s wild antics had me in stitches. Seeing them awkwardly try to connect with the kids, especially at that LARPing battle, was comedy gold. It’s one of those films that gets better with every rewatch. Seriously, if you need a good laugh, this is it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott”
  • “Viewers who enjoy raunchy comedies with a heartwarming message”
  • “Those interested in films that explore themes of friendship, personal growth, and embracing individuality”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Crude and sexual humor”
  • “Drug references”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “Role Models surprises with its heart. Rudd and Scott deliver sharp comedic performances amidst raunchy humor, showcasing unexpected depth. Jane Lynch steals scenes as the charity leader, adding to the film’s memorable moments.
• The New York Times: “David Wain’s direction elevates familiar buddy comedy tropes. The movie’s strength lies in the unexpected tenderness between the leads and their mentees, making it a standout in its genre.
• Entertainment Weekly: “Role Models balances crude humor with genuine emotion. The cast’s chemistry shines, especially Mintz-Plasse as the lovable geek. It’s a surprisingly touching story about finding purpose in unexpected places.

Audience Reactions

The LARP battle scene is ridiculously hilarious and unforgettable.: Viewers loved the unexpected heart and character development of the main characters.

Bobb’e J. Thompson’s performance as Ronnie is a scene-stealer.: Fans praised the film’s ability to balance raunchy humor with genuinely touching moments.

Overall Consensus: Role Models is a surprisingly heartfelt and funny comedy that balances raunchy humor with genuine character development, making it a standout in the genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Many lines in the film were improvised, adding to the natural, comedic flow.”
• “Due to the 2007 Writers Guild strike, the writers had to stop constant rewrites and coming up with ideas during filming.”

🖥️ How to Watch Role Models?

Role Models is available for streaming on various platforms including Prime Video (with a subscription or purchase), Apple TV (for purchase or rental), and other digital retailers. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability in your region. You can also find it to rent or buy on physical media such as DVD and Blu-ray.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Role Models, you might like these similar films:

• I Love You, Man (2009): Features male bonding and the awkwardness of male relationships, similar to the dynamic between Danny and Wheeler.
• The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005): Shares a similar brand of raunchy yet heartwarming comedy, with characters finding unexpected growth through unusual friendships.
• Old School (2003): Explores the theme of immature adults struggling with responsibility, similar to Danny and Wheeler’s journey.
• Uncle Buck (1989): Features an irresponsible adult unexpectedly tasked with caring for children, leading to comedic and heartwarming moments.
• Good Boys (2019): Embodies crude humor, unexpected innocence, and an ensemble of child actors akin to Role Models.

🛒 Role Models Related Products

• Role Models (Unrated) [Blu-ray]: Own the unrated version of Role Models on Blu-ray for the ultimate viewing experience, featuring extended scenes and uncensored humor.
• KISS Destroyer Album: Own the iconic KISS album Destroyer, capturing the spirit of rock and roll as featured in the film.
• Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set: Get started with Dungeons & Dragons with this starter set, inspired by the LARP elements in the movie.
• Minotaur Energy Drink T-Shirt: Show your love for the movie with this Minotaur Energy Drink t-shirt, a quirky and fun reference to the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Role Models features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Beth” – performed by KISS
• “Rock and Roll All Nite” – performed by KISS
• “Broken and Bent” – performed by Peter Salett

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Role Models (2008) Bloopers, Gag Reel & Outtakes #2 [+Goofs]

Take a break from the main movie for a minute and join the cast of Role Models for some hilarious behind-the-scenes outtakes and goofs from the set. It’s a fun way to get a glimpse into the making of the movie and see what happened when the cameras weren’t rolling!

✨ Rate