Big Picture Big Sound

The Film

What happens when multiple comedy troupes collide? You get Role Models, which includes one giant, recognizable posse made up of players from Adam Sandler and Judd Apatow films, as well as sketch comedy crew The State.

Fueled by the energy drinks he pushes and one nasty breakup, salesman Danny (Paul Rudd) and his partner Wheeler (Seann William Scott) get themselves in a bit too much trouble and are sentenced to 150 hours of community service as Big Brothers to needy kids. However, instead of molding impressionable young minds, they get to dole out their life lessons to Superbad super-geek McLovin' (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and a foul-mouthed version of Webster (Bobb's J Thompson).

Role Models is mostly predictable, but it's also funny. Co-writer/director David Wain (The State) gets a bit too sentimental in some spots, but manages to save the film from the cheese factory by sprinkling raunch in all the right places. Plus,

any comedy that makes a climax out of the '70s band KISS is all right in our book.

For a second opinion, check out Lexi Feinberg's theatrical review of Role Models.

The Picture

Like most comedies, this isn't one to break out in the demo room. However, Role Models does include some nice images on the 1.85:1 transfer. Most notably, you'll find a lot of detail in the duo's work/monster truck, as well as the action revolving around LAIRE (Live Action Interactive Role-playing Explorers) -- yeah, it has that, too.

The Sound

Despite the many mentions of KISS, don't expect to rock and roll all-night and party every day with this one. Universal gave the soundtrack the DTS-HD Master Audio treatment. However, aside from a few classic rock tunes, there's not much for your surrounds to do here. Still, the dialogue is sharp and crystal clear.

The Extras

The unrated version only adds three minutes of extra time, but if it's extras you seek, Role Models delivers. Aside from the typical behind-the-scenes and bloopers business, the disc includes 50 minutes of deleted and alternate scenes, most of which are pretty darn funny.

Final Thoughts

The climax is a bit sugary, but it includes medieval role playing and KISS, so what more do you want? Role Models may not break any molds, but it's pretty funny for a quick comedy fix.

Where to Buy:

• Role Models on Blu-ray Disc (Amazon.com)

Product Details

• Actors: Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jane Lynch, Elizabeth Banks, Bobb's J. Thompson
• Director: David Wain
• Audio/Languages: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (English), DTS 5.1 (Spanish, French)
• Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Region: A
• Number of Discs: 1
• Rating: R
• Studio: Universal Studios
• Blu-ray Disc Release Date: March 10, 2009
• Run Time: 102 minutes (unrated), 99 minutes (theatrical)
• List Price: $39.98
• Extras:
  • Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer David Wain
  • My Scenes
  • Deleted Scenes and Alternate Takes
  • Bloopers
  • On the Set of Role Models
  • Game On: Creating a Role Playing World
  • In-Character & Off-Script
  • Ye Olde Crest Maker
  • Picture in Picture (U-Control)
  • BD Live