Iffy for 16+
Coarse adult comedy elicits some big laughs.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that even though the cast includes young kids, this crass, Judd Apatow-esque comedy about dysfunctional mentors bases much of its humor on gross-out situations, sexual innuendo (as well as a little partial nudity), and near-incessant swearing. Old, young, man, woman -- everyone seems blessed with a potty mouth. Grown-ups discuss sex and other adult topics with children, many of whom seem incorrigible and precocious. There's also some drinking and discussion of drugs. It's all played for laughs, but it's not meant for kids.
- Families can talk about whether Danny and Wheeler are good role models. If yes, why? If not, why not?
- How would you describe their relationships with the kids they'resupposed to mentor?
- Is their transformation believable? Families canalso discuss Danny's dilemma: How can you be joyful when you feeldefeated and frustrated?
- Also, how does this movie fit in with otherrecent "hard-R" comedies? Is it as raunchy?
- Do you think it's meant toappeal to the same audience?
The good stuff
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Messages: Dysfunctional mentoring and parenting galore, including a couple who sees nothing wrong in verbally tearing down their son -- they make fun of his hobbies and talk about him as if he's a nerd. Men objectify women, some of whom appear to enjoy being objectified. Two men don't appear sorry for the misdeeds that land them in community service. Still, somehow, the film manages to be heartwarming, showing the transformation of two men from callow to caring.
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Role models: Underneath a lot of humorous stuff two unlikely men become ROLE MODELS.
What to watch for
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Violence: Two friends have a heavy-duty argument and tussle with the cops. A young man participates in medieval battle reenactments that involve weaponry made out of foam. A man crashes a truck into a statue in a fit of anger, which nearly lands him and his friend in jail.
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Sex: Some partial nudity (breasts and a man's naked backside), which both a grown-up and a child seem to obsess over. A presumably naked couple makes out under the sheets (their bare shoulders are seen). An adult has explicit conversations about sex, offering detailed information to kids who are clearly too young for such discussions. References to a mother being a "whore." Shots of cleavage; a woman grabs a man's testicles and propositions him. A woman pushes a hot dog out of a bagel in a suggestive manner.
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Language: As crude as can be, featuring everything from "whore" and "beeyotch" to "a--hole" and "f--k." In fact, the "F" word seems to be a favorite expletive, even among kids. One young character is particularly foul-mouthed.
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Consumerism: Mentions of Ambien and the movie Reindeer Games, plus shots of signage for a burger restaurant and the fictional energy drink company that Wheeler and Danny work for.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: A woman who's no longer a user nevertheless details her former cocaine habit whenever she gets the chance. A couple trips on Ambien. Some tongue-in-cheek discussions about why kids should avoid drugs, plus some scenes of social drinking, including around children.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Five Word Review by redyeah
So hilarious great comic casting
4
ROLE MODELS - GRADE: B by MOVIES REVIEWER
The advance press screening audience laughed and laughed and laughed so much at the hilarious antics of the cast in this unpretentious affable comedy.
I was apprehensive and was not expecting much prior to screening this movie but I was pleasantly surprised by how down-to-earth low-key AND funny the movie turned out. The charm was in the great chemistry of its cast of adults and kids - and the well-timed jokes plus side-splitting one-liners. Sure it was the potty-mouthed kid that nearly stole every scene he was in - but you can't help but be charmed by his cuteness.
Overall, the movie was entertaining - plus has great buddy-buddy message and tight focus on friendship and team-work - plus..... never give up and never back down from who you are and what you want.
I would recommend this movie to anyone who is looking for a silly goofy nerdy geeky comedy with heart.
CAUTION: Nudity, obscene language, scene of drug use - unsuitable for kids/youths.
Otherwise, LOL.
5
very funny by twisted_pain111
i know many people will get offended from all the cursing , specially from the kids cursing, but over all this movie was very very funny. almost as funny as knocked up or 40 y/o virgin. very well made, it gets a little sappy towards the ends as you may expect but, over all, FUNNY, enjoy it!
5
Much Better than I Expected by Dndd2000P
I wouldn't go so far to say it was the best movie of the year, but it was definitely the best comedy I've seen this year, and I could put this on my top five for this year overall. Very, very good movie. Hilarious throughout, which is all that really matters in a comedy. The storyline was simple but pulled off nicely; excellent acting throughout and absolutely lovable characters. The humor is crude but, in my opinion, is not put to excess like many seem to be putting here and is pulled off smoothly.
The majority of the theater was laughing the entire time. Definitely something worth seeing in theaters, it was well worth my ten dollars.
5
Role Models by JacquelineSC
I saw this with my girlfriend because we needed (at least hoped for) a good laugh. I laughed till I cried. I saw that my 2 teen sons would relate in so many ways that I took them to see it a few days later. Though some scenes are embarrassing for a mom to sit through with 2 young boys, they loved the movie, and I knew they would. My 17-year-old came out saying he related to EVERY part of that movie. I knew he would. My 14-year-old son nearly stopped breathing from laughing so hard. Even though it was rated R (and rightly so), I'm glad I took my sons to see it ... my way of saying, "I understand some of what you're going through." They appreciated it, and we all needed a good laugh.
5
Role Models by xrichiexrich
Awesome movie! Funny from beginning to end and actually a cool plot! This is my first time writing one of these but I say it's a must see!
4
Role Models by eaprill13
Simple hilarious. A great film where you can really feel for the characters
5
A Hysterical Production Worth Seeing by Relipsee
Role Models is simply a great movie. It will keep you laughing all the way through and will keep you thinking about it until next week. Sean William Scott (one of my favorite actors) has one of the funniest roles in the movie but the kids are the real laugh.
Role Models has got everything you need to make a great movie: hilarity, a great cast, a wonderful setting, a life lesson, and trash-talking kids.
WARNING: Just because there are two kids in the movie does not mean it is okay for children. This movie has a lot of harsh language and sexual parts. It is strictly for adults.
So, if you're 17 or over, want a good laugh, and like the whole hysterical-movie-with-a-semi-sentimental-part-but-still-funny flick Role Models is the movie for you!
4
Role Models - Paul Rudd by echoi316
This is the better comedy of this style that I have seen in a long time. My favorites have been 40 year old virgin, Knocked Up, and Superbad. Ever since those three, the rest have been mediocre and increasingly graphic (i.e. sexually), which is not necessarily a bad thing if it contributes to the hilarity of the situation. But when the comedy is based solely on these sort of slap-stick measures, it gets old, very very quickly. That is why I think Role Models was somewhat a bit of fresh air. Yes, there were the stupid jokes, but much of it was based on language. It was not uproarious, but it was not bad either. It was a solid comedy, in which Paul Rudd really steals the show. I admit, I may have a bias for this man, because ever since he was Jennifer Aniston's baby daddy, the protective but adorable step-brother of a rich, blond high schooler, and Phoebe's beau, I've had a love for his acting, charm, and looks! But his dry sense of humor and pessimism really did make Role Models for me.
5
Hi-freakin-larious! by heclas
Haven't laughed that hard in a movie theater in years! And I wasn't alone! Predictable plot but who cares you'll laugh throughout the whole movie!