by Manny The Movie Guy

Created on: November 05, 2008

Actors Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott are some of the key players responsible for the renewed popularity of the R-rated comedy genre. Rudd, with his partnership with the reigning king of R-rated comedy, Judd Apatow, and Scott, with his unforgettable role as Stifler in the "American Pie" films.

With the new flick "Role Models," Rudd and Scott teamed up to make a movie that's raunchy and potty-mouthed, but guess what? The film is one of the best, if not "the" best comedy of the year.

It's quite surprising that "Role Models" began its inception as a dramatic script until Rudd came along. The actor helped reinvigorate the screenplay (the movie is his first as a scriptwriter) and the result is a laugh-out-loud film with a genuine emotional core at its heart.

Rudd and Scott star as Danny and Wheeler, two salesmen who trash a company truck on an energy drink-fueled bender. Upon their arrest, the court gives them a choice: do hard time or spend 150 service hours with a mentorship program called Sturdy Wings.

Helping the duo is Danny's soon-to-be-ex-girlfriend, Beth (the always dependable Elizabeth Banks), a lawyer who's fed up with her boyfriend's antics. She advises Danny and Wheeler to spend time at the mentorship program instead of jail.

At Sturdy Wings, our bumbling heroes are surrounded by annoying do-gooders. Leading the pack is the scene-stealing Jane Lynch as Gayle Sweeney, the head of the program who's a recovering cocaine-addict herself.

Danny is assigned to take care of Augie ("Superbad's" McLovin, Christopher Mintz-Plasse), a bashful 16-year old obsessed with medieval role play. Meanwhile, Wheeler must learn to tame Ronnie (newcomer Bobb'e J. Thompson), a foul-mouthed, tough-as-nails fifth grader.

Directed by David Wain ("The Ten," "Wet Hot American Summer"), "Role Models" worked because of the great chemistry of the cast. Rudd and Scott wisely let the younger actors shine.

Mintz-Plasse, who was relegated to a one-hit wonder status with his McLovin role, proves that he's an excellent comedic actor with great timing. Same can be said with Thompson. You will be aghast to hear foul words coming out of his mouth, but you will be equally charmed by the young actor.

The production is also blessed by a great team. The medieval role play war scene becomes a gripping fight-to-the-finish battle royale because of stunt coordinator, Jeff Imada, who coordinated the fight sequences for the "Bourne" films.

Everyone walking out of the theaters after watching "Role Models" had contented smiles on their faces. You will laugh at the funny moments and feel emotional at the tender scenes. Come to think of it, this bro-mantic movie is really the best comedy of the year. And for that, "Role Models" gets model behavior kisses

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