'Role Models' reviewed

"Role Models" Universal Pictures Rating: 2 1/2 stars (out of 4)

Since the Judd Apatow movement, audiences are experiencing a new age of comedy. It's not easy matching up to such clever films. Fortunately, "Role Models" has no trouble being Apatow-funny, despite no affiliation with the acclaimed producer. Coming from a little-known director, David Wain, and six writers, the movie's biggest strength is its one-liners.

"Role Models" stars Seann William Scott, from the "American Pie" franchise and Paul Rudd, who has been a supporting actor in films like "Knocked Up." Wain's biggest success is bringing these two dissimilar actors together to create a hilarious combination.

The two energy drink salesmen, Danny (Rudd) and Wheeler (Scott), are sentenced to 150 hours of community service due to bad circumstances. The service requires them to be big brothers to Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and Ronnie (Bobb'e J. Thompson).

The movie is packed with memorable scenes. The conversations between Danny, Wheeler and the head of their community service group are hilarious. The dialogues are sharp and the comedy isn't loud. As one starts the joke, the other tags in on the punch line, making the combo of Rudd and Scott perfect.

Rudd excels once again as a middle-aged man who hates everyone and despises his life, while Scott leaves his immature Stifler character and showcases his comic timing. Mintz-Plasse, also known as McLovin from "Superbad," plays a true geek who is into LAIRE, a fantasy medieval world where anything can happen. Thompson is a foul-mouthed 10-year-old and is the main attraction of the movie.

However, "Role Models" has its downside. The movie is full of "F-bombs" and sexual language. It makes sense when Ronnie speaks in such a way, since that's his character. Yet when everyone throws in curses and sexual references during conversations, it eventually becomes annoying.

With six writers, some of the jokes could have been wittier. Another major drawback is the climax. While the message is strong, the long scenes referring to the childish LAIRE battles is a negative aspect to an R-rated film, where the majority of the viewers are adults.

Despite low hype and expectations, "Role Models" is worth a watch for its consistency of slapstick moments and some top-notch acting. It's the chemistry between the four leads that makes them the perfect comedy role models.

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