By Jeremy Azevedo

“Role Models” was easily one of the better comedies of 2008, if not the best. It may not have had the kind of publicity that overrated, Apatow produced comedies like “Pineapple Express” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” had, but it certainly had more laughs in it.

Much of this had to do with the excellent performances by Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott, but the lion’s share of credit most likely goes to writer/director (and former State alum) David Wain.



While not a formula comedy by any means, “Role Models” is was quite a bit more traditional in style than much of David Wain’s previous work (His last two films were “The 10” and “Hot Wet American Summer”). David tells us that this is because he came on around the third draft of the script, adding his (and co-writers Paul Rudd and Ken Marino’s) signature style to the pre-existing story. David's irreverent sense of humor ultimately transformed what was in danger of being a class-A "bro-down" into a smart and funny picture that lends itself well to repeated viewings.

One of the best things about “Role Models” is the memorable performance by Christopher Mintz-Plasse as a young, hopelessly dorky Live Action Role Player named Auggie. There was some worry on Wain’s part that Mintz-Plasse might be difficult to separate from his instantly typecasting role as McLovin in “SuperBad”.

“There was definitely some concern there”, said Wain. “Christopher had only done the one other film before this, and the character was pretty iconic. But this character of Auggie was really so different… I mean they were both nerdy, but in totally different ways. And I related to him, you know, as a kid. As an adult I related more to Danny (Paul Rudd’s character) but as a kid, definitely Auggie.”

Another young star, Bobb’e J. Thompson, posed a different kind of problem for the director:

“We were limited in some of the things we could have Bobb’e say and do. He had someone there with him at all times to make sure we were within certain guidelines. Specifically, we couldn’t have him say or do anything overtly sexual, though he could talk about boobies and say “fuck” a lot.”

I asked David Wain if he was a fan of Savage Steve Holland, another favorite director of mine with whom Wain shares some stylistic similarities.

“You know, people ask me that all the time, but I’ve honestly never even seen “Better Off Dead”. I feel like I ought to but I've simply never gotten around to it. I have seen “The Sure Thing” like 100 times but that’s as close as I’ve gotten to those older Cusack Movies.”

Of course I was obligated to inquire about “The State” and when it will appear on DVD. Before I could even finish my sentence, Wain was quick to tell me that it should be available this summer, which is great news for fans who have waited over ten years now to revisit the classic sketch series. I asked Wain, who did a fair amount of acting in “The State”, on “Stellla” and on his web show “Wainy Days”, why he doesn’t appear to act much in any of his films:

“It’s not that I’m uncomfortable as an actor, it’s just that the stakes are much higher, going from a web show to a feature. And you know, I acted and directed on Stella, which was just a grueling process. Directing this film really demanded my full attention.”

“Role Models”, starring Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott, should be available on DVD March 10, 2009. Sadly, it won’t include a soundtrack with extra farts like “Hot Wet American Summer”, but it will have an extensive extra features section of it’s own. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend you do so now. (If for no other reason than that it’s the only comedy this year to not feature a soundtrack by Rush, opting instead for Kiss.) Also, check out the Role Models "Babe Watcher" game over on the official web site, as well as David Wain’s web show, “Wainy Days”, with new episodes out now on MyDamnChannel.com!