Labeling Role Models as a “laugh-out-loud comedy” might be a cliché, but as the packed crowd at Roone Arledge Cinema rollicked in laughter, the cliché certainly proved applicable. The Ferris Reel Film Society hosted the advance screening, which took place on Oct. 23—the movie opens today. The sheer fact that the screening took place without any major problems, aside from trouble quieting down the raucous crowd, seems like a feat, especially considering the state of Ferris Reel at the beginning of the academic year.
Despite Role Models’ success with Columbia students at the screening, skepticism about the movie is certainly justifiable. The movie tells the story of two energy-drink spokesmen. After crashing their company’s monster truck, they avoid serving time only on the condition that they complete community service as mentors for two eccentric young boys. The plot screams “feel good ending” from the very beginning, and it seems as though Role Models will turn out to be just another predictable comedy with a wholesome ending.
Sure enough, the movie provides a neat take-home message: we should all be more accepting of the creepy kids in school who wear capes. Role Models, though, does not overdo the preaching. Director David Wain must have seen the comedic potential in all four of his main characters, and decided to exploit that, rather than appealing solely to the sensitive hearts of its college audience.
Since Role Models is being billed as Seann William Scott’s comeback film, many wonder whether he would merely reprise his most famous role, that of Stifler in the endless American Pie series. In a way, Scott does play more of the same. His character, Wheeler, is a vulgar, sex-crazed adult who refuses to grow up. But to his credit, Scott does a decent job of shedding the frat boy characteristics that made him despicable in American Pie. In Role Models, he comes across as likeable.
Lead and screenwriter Paul Rudd is best known for his performance in Judd Apatow flicks, including Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Knocked Up. His last flick sans Apatow, Over Her Dead Body, wasn’t exactly cinematic genius. One might suspect that Rudd can only perform under the tutelage of Apatow, but Rudd succeeds in writing himself the perfect character—a miserable, self-loathing jerk who watches his life go up in flames.
The at-risk children are the main element that transforms Role Models from a forgettable comedy driven by punch lines to one that makes your stomach hurt from laughing. Christopher Mintz-Plasse, better known as McLovin, plays a Live Action Role-Playing fanatic with trouble functioning in the real world. Regardless of McLovin’s cult status after Superbad, the real show stealer is Bobb’e J. Thompson, who plays Ronnie Shields, a foul-mouthed kid who seems completely out of control. His antics and vulgar comments, none of which can be reprinted here, constitute the funniest parts of the movie. While Role Models probably won’t be nominated come award season, it accomplishes its goal—you’ll be laughing the whole time.
Due to Ferris Reel’s cooperation with studios, students had the opportunity to screen this movie several days before the national release date. PR director Daniela Cassorla helped Ferris Reel bring Role Models to campus. The screening was free, and the organization’s executive board looks forward to expanding their calendar to include bar nights and other promotional events for movie releases.
The current board was forced to start from square one this year, because they were not given any training or information on how to plan these large-scale events. Though Ferris Reel Film Society is one of the largest student groups on campus (partly because it counts everyone who attends their events as members), this year’s executive board is entirely different from last year’s. President Amy Tan, CC ’09, decided to join because she had noticed the disorganization of the group, and wanted to transform the society into something more productive. Previously a member who would occasionally help flyer for free screenings, Tan has now taken on the leadership role in order to spread the love of cheap entertainment. Vice President Colin Drummond, CC ’09, for his part, has an unabashed penchant for cinema, and he “rarely refuses a chance to go to the movies.” Ferris Reel represents a fine source of cheap entertainment on campus, whether it be free advanced screenings, or a chance to revisit your favorite film from last season.
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