"A long, long time ago I can still remember how that music used to make me smile."

No I'm not talking about 'American Pie' one of the greatest songs ever sung, instead I'm remembering when I saw 'Role Models' way back in April and the temporary music which was laid over the climactic battle that takes place at the end of the movie. They hadn't yet scored the movie and instead used the themes from one of my favorites, 'Back to the Future,' and it made me smile.



Back in April the movie was called "Little, Big Men" and it was still a very, very rough cut. But it was a very, very funny movie, one that looks just like the one I've seen in the trailers. And if it was as good as the cut I viewed then you're in for a treat.

The movie follows Danny (Paul Rudd, a CineManiac favorite) and Wheeler (Sean William Scott) who must become Big Brothers for an organization called Helping Hands after they are put on community service. When we meet the duo Danny is a hothead who's just been dumped by Beth (The beautiful and funny Elizabeth Banks) and Wheeler is a full time party boy. Both of them have their problems and it's obvious that by the time the movie ends they'll have grown up, at least a little.

The duo are quickly paired up with the two boys that no one wants to mentor, Augie (Superbad's Christopher Mintz-Plasse), an avid L.A.R.P.er (Live Action Role Player), and Ronnie (Bobb'e J. Thompson), a young foul mouthed boy who tries to run off Wheeler as soon as he meets him. Both kids clearly need some guidance and it's up to these two misfits to offer it to them as best as they can.

The movie has the typical big brother/little brother bonding moments, but with more cussing than most movies (This one's definitely not for the kiddos) of their ilk. The best part of this movie is easily the L.A.R.Ping scenes. The battle I mentioned earlier, which consumes most of the third act, is brilliant in how awesomely sad and hilarious it is. It's amazing to me how these people can spend their time making costumes and living in what is basically an alternate reality, but it's facinating to watch them, even if it is in a ficitional movie. (I've just added Monster Camp, a documentary about real LARPers to my Netflix cue.)

The entire movie is funny, but the end battle is something that has to be seen in order to comprehend fully. But I can't warn you enough that this movie is rated R for a reason, the language is something most parents would not want their kids to hear, sadly most of it comes from child actor Thompson, whose mother approved of the script.

Overall it's a very funny film that will have you rolling as long as the language doesn't offend you. It's well written by Rudd, Director David Wain, Ken Marino, and Timothy Dowling. and the entire cast does a great job (be on the lookout for the great Ken Jeong the comedian doctor who can be seen in Knocked Up). Overall it's another one for the folks who are fans of the Apatow Gang and it's extended family.

Labels: Review, Role Models