On Second Thought: ‘Role Models’

Critics aren’t perfect – I know, that’s hardly breaking news.

On Second Thought marks a new, occasional feature at WWTW where I reconsider past reviews.

First up: “Role Models.” I begrudgingly gave the film three stars at The Washington Times when it bowed last year, buoyed by the film’s laughter but begrudging its shoddy structure.

A second viewing opened my eyes quite a bit wider.

“Role Models,” coming on DVD March 10, improves greatly on a second viewing. The comic casting couldn’t be better (Jane Lynch AND Elizabeth Banks? Perfecto), and what seemed like casual plot developments grow more endearing the second time ’round.

Director David Wain’s track record isn’t perfect (“The Ten,” “Wet Hot American Summer”), but he gets into a fluid comic rhythm here early and never loses control.

The copious extras include deleted scenes and some fun blooper bits. The former is the usual blend of awful and intriguing, but it’s interesting to view them as pieces of the story’s bigger puzzle. Unlike most shock comedies, “Role Models” tells an honest to goodness story, and the character arcs blend nicely with the narrative.

You get a sense of the improv in action, with co-star Paul Rudd’s rapid fire lines and a funny bit featuring character profiels ofsome of the film’s bit players. It’s there you see the attention to detail … and a bit of the world being created here.

(Photo: Seann William Scott gets an earful from co-star Bobb’e J. Thompson in “Role Models.”)

Related posts:

1. ‘Extract’ – Judge’s latest not destined for cult status
2. ‘The Blind Side’ – Sometimes the truth isn’t enough for Hollywood