Role Models kind of hits home for me. Why, you ask? It has a bit to do with the main character, Danny, portrayed by the always-funny Paul Rudd. He wakes up one day, at the ripe age of 35, and wonders where the past 10 years of his life have gone. He also questions why he is not happy and how he is not doing what he would like to be doing in life, while all his other friends have these prestigious jobs and such. I swear, envy is one of the most dangerous traps people can fall into. “Be careful what you wish” for is my new motto in life. I don’t mean to sound like I am not grateful for all the good things I have in life, but like the character of Danny in the film, I cannot help feeling like I have not found my calling in life as of yet. I was put on this Earth to do grand things right? In many ways, Role Models is a biopic of my life minus the relationship storyline. Anyway, this is not a self-help clinic so let’s move onto discussing the film itself.
The Film ![]()
Role Models was released theatrically in November 2008 and opened to mostly positive critic and user reviews. The film went on to gross approximately $84 million worldwide. Role Models stars Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott, Elizabeth Banks, Jane Lynch, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Bobb’e J. Thompson. It’s great to see some of the cast of The 40-Year-Old Virgin reunited again. I could not think of a better reunion to attend.
Universal brings Role Models to the Blu-ray format on March 10th. Fans of the movie will be able to choose between viewing the film in its theatrical rated version or an unrated version, which clocks in at only 3-minutes longer. Having not seen the movie during its theatrical run, I opted to screen the unrated version upon my first viewing.
Danny (Paul Rudd) and Wheeler (Seann William Scott) are two energy drink salesman who happen to trash their company vehicle while trying to escape from being towed. I guess I forgot to mention that prior to this little fender bender mishap, Danny is just happening to have one of the worst days of his life. If it is not bad enough that he is questioning his miserable existence, his girlfriend of seven years, Beth Jones (Elizabeth Banks), just dumped him. I also forgot to mention that the entire movie is a beautifully painted and orchestrated Kiss-themed canvas, work of art. So if you are a hardcore fan of the rock band Kiss, like myself, it will do you well to remember the name Beth for later on. I got a little sidetracked here, let’s get back to the story. Upon their arrest, the court offers them a chance to spend 150 hours of mentorship at Sturdy Wings in lieu of 30 days of jail time.
After one day with the kids, jail doesn’t seem to look so bad to them. Danny is stuck with a 16-year-old, named Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), who is obsessed with the medieval role playing game Laire. Think of the geekiest kid you could ever imagine and there you have Augie, cape and all. The medieval battles that ensue in the parks are quite hilarious. Meanwhile, Wheeler is stuck with one of the most foul-mouthed youngsters I have ever heard before. Fifth-grader Ronnie (Bobb’e Thompson) definitely puts the obnoxious Wheeler in his place more than once. I was really taken back by the language and a few key scenes relating to Ronnie. I thought it was kind of taboo for a kid to be saying the things he does in a movie, but it made for one entertaining film, so I would not want it any other way.
Want to talk about trials and tribulations? Well even if you don’t, I do. Not only must Danny and Wheeler make it through their 150-day sentence both physically and mentally, but they must also help out the people who need them the most…youngsters Augie and Ronnie. So not only must Danny and Wheeler figure out where they went wrong in their own lives, but they must learn how they can positively make an impact and a difference in the lives of the youngsters who look up to them the most. Ultimately, Danny and Wheeler are training for the hardest jobs of their lives, which is that of a role model. I think you can clearly see where I am going with my analogies. Now it is time for you to read on and enjoy what appears on the surface as a rude and crude comedy, only to resolve into quite the warm and enriching movie.
Video ![]()
Universal brings Role Models to the Blu-ray format with a rather pleasant looking 1080P VC-1 video encode. The film is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The film has a thin layer of cinematic grain throughout and only suffers from this grain in less than a handful of scenes. With that and a few white specks popping up here and there, the video transfer of Role Models is quite pleasing to my Blu-ray trained eyes. The skin tones all looked natural no matter what kind of light was being cast against them. The blacks remain solid during the entire presentation with a vibrant color palette to compliment the canvas. There were only a couple of real quick soft scenes but that did not stop the detailed textures from standing out during the course of the film, most evident in the outside shots, the fabric in clothing and in the stitches of the woven Laire emblems. Last but not least, the three-dimensional pop of the Blu-ray format is proudly on display throughout the film’s runtime. For the most part, this is a beautiful looking Blu-ray.
Audio ![]()
Universal wields a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio surround track for the debut of Role Models on Blu-ray. The film’s soundtrack was always loud and engaging, albeit very front heavy. There is no denying that the music was a driving force at times. I can’t tell you how reminiscent I felt hearing such Kiss classics as “Love Gun” and “Detroit Rock City” in lossless HD audio. Hearing these tracks in DTS-HD Master Audio made me feel like a kid again. I was so moved by them that I busted out the “Double Platinum” CD for the ride to work the next day. I can’t tell you the last time that CD graced any audio system of mine. Anyway, back to the film itself, the dialogue track was prominent and intelligible throughout. I had no difficulty ever hearing a single word. The only reason I am taking off points for this surround mix is because of the lack of rear channel presence. Other than that, I just want to sing “Love Gun” from the top of the tallest mountain. As a side note, the Kiss influence in the film just doesn’t end with the soundtrack. There is so much more to discover. “Beth I hear you calling…”
Special Features ![]()
I am giving Role Models a higher score than I usually would, in the special features department, mostly because of the extras being in glorious High-Definition. That’s not to say that the extras are not of quality here, quite the contrary, but it is just refreshing to see special features not in Standard-Definition. I have almost gotten used to it with my past month of Blu-ray viewings, so it is nice to see Universal break the mode. Let’s forgo the chatter and examine what goodies can be found here.
- Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer David Wain
- Deleted Scenes and Alternative Takes (HD VC-1) – As a Blu-ray exclusive Universal included 20 minutes worth of deleted scenes that cannot be found on the DVD release of Role Models. That was nice of them, eh? The total runtime of all these extra scenes clocks in at a whopping 50-minutes.
- Bloopers (HD VC-1) – How rare is it to not only see deleted scenes and such in High-Definition but also bloopers too? I am not accustomed to this. Universal is going to spoil me rotten. We are treated to near 4 minutes worth of bloopers.
- On The Set of Role Models (HD VC-1) – Here you have your basic making of the film clocking in at 7 minutes in length.
- Game On: Creating A Role Playing World (HD VC-1) – Here we get a 9-minute detailed look at the hysterical Laire Event, which includes the choreography, costumes and behind-the-scenes moments with the cast and crew.
- In-Character & Off-Script (HD VC-1) – In this 8-minute feature you learn more about the supporting characters from the film and their improvisations they pull off.
- U-Control – Universal’s exclusive feature delivers a Picture-in-Picture track that allows you to view cast/crew interviews and behind-the-scene moments, while watching the unrated version of the movie.
- BD-Live – These features will not be live until March 10th, however, slated for this release are My Scenes Sharing, which allows you to show your friends your favorite scenes from the film through the BD-Live Center. Inside Sturdy Wings will give us a look at Jane Lynch’s zany portrayal of Sturdy Wings director Sweeny. Last but not least, Ye Old Crest Maker will allow you to personalize your own coat-of-arms and share it with your buddies through the BD-Live Center or with an online widget at www.universalhidef.com. This is probably one of the cooler BD-Live features I have seen in awhile.
Final Thoughts ![]()
As much as I enjoyed Role Models, I don’t think it is for everyone. I think people will be going in expecting a very rude and crude comedic film, and although it initially starts off this way, it ultimately becomes quite the warm heart-felt comedy by the film’s end. However, that is not to say that this movie is not worth a look, quite the opposite. All I am saying is if you have any hesitations, give this movie a rental screening before a blind purchase. That is my only disclaimer I feel the need to make. I fear that this movie will have little replay value to the viewers who do not completely adore and embrace this film for what it is. That is a coming-of-age self-help story. The people you never thought could help you in life are the ones that end up surprising you and in the end, make you the role model you always knew you had in you. Life is curious and surprising that way.
Other than that, Role Models is another exceptional Universal Blu-ray release with three-dimensional video clarity, an engaging soundtrack and a hearty portion of extras all presented in High-Definition. If you are a fan of the movie, either now or after your first viewing, there is no denying that this is another grand effort put forth from one of my favorite studios, Universal. Go get it and become a role model today!
I hope you enjoyed my review of Universal Studio’s Role Models Blu-ray release. Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments below. I look forward to receiving any feedback from my readers.
Role Models will be released on Blu-ray March 10, 2009. If you like what you read in the review above, then please show your support for our site by clicking the shopping cart link above to pre-order and save with Amazon’s Everyday Lowest Price Guarantee. Thanks!
