Role Models 2008

Danny Donahue, portrayed by Paul Rudd, and his colleague Wheeler, played by Seann William Scott, are two energy drink salesmen for Minotaur based in Los Angeles. They traverse local schools in their Minotaur-themed SUV, delivering their uniquely crafted infomercials veiled as anti-drug messages. Unlike Wheeler, who thrives in their quirky job, Danny finds himself trapped in a cycle of negativity, which causes his relationship with his girlfriend, the ambitious attorney Beth, to deteriorate. In a misguided attempt to mend things, Danny unexpectedly proposes to Beth, only to face rejection and a breakup.

After a disastrous sales attempt at a high school, the duo discovers their company vehicle is getting towed. In a bid to save their SUV, they attempt to drive away, resulting in a crash into a statue on school grounds. Following this escapade, they find themselves sentenced to 30 days in jail by the judge. However, thanks to Beth’s intervention, they are assigned 150 hours of community service instead. This service leads them to Sturdy Wings, a big-brother program directed by none other than Gayle Sweeny, played by Jane Lynch. Gayle, an ex-drug addict, isn’t about to let either of them off easy and sets clear ground rules: no nonsense will be tolerated.

Wheeler is paired with the irreverent Ronnie Shields, a foul-mouthed teen with a penchant for trouble, while Danny is matched with Augie Farks, a socially awkward boy deeply immersed in live-action role-playing games. Initially, both Danny and Wheeler struggle to connect with their assigned mentees. Danny finds it challenging to communicate with Augie, who is engrossed in his narrow hobbies, and Wheeler finds that Ronnie is uninterested in their mentorship. Yet, as time passes, the unlikely pairs begin to bond. Ronnie and Wheeler find common ground in their mutual appreciation for the rock band KISS, while Danny reluctantly joins Augie’s medieval fantasy league, LAIRE.

During a camping trip, Wheeler attempts an ill-fated rendezvous with another mentor, leading to an embarrassing situation that nearly exposes him, but Ronnie and Augie cover for him. Amidst these encounters, Danny tries unsuccessfully to reconcile with Beth, leading to feelings of hopelessness. Their progress, however, hits a snag when Augie inadvertently “kills” King Argotron, a player at LAIRE, resulting in a permanent ban for both him and Danny after Danny’s defense of Augie’s actions was deemed unwarranted.

Intent on mending things, Danny pays a visit to Augie’s home, only to find that Augie’s parents, Lynette and Jim, are less than supportive of their son’s interests. After a heated exchange, Danny leaves, vowing to stand by Augie. Meanwhile, Wheeler finds himself at a party where he abandons Ronnie, who walks home alone feeling neglected and betrayed.

After garnering complaints from the boys’ parents, Gayle expels Danny and Wheeler from the program, which leads them dangerously close to serving their jail time. In the elevator ride to their appointment, tensions flare as they argue, threatening their friendship. However, this moment of discord prompts Wheeler to rekindle his mentorship with Ronnie, while Danny, feeling guilty, decides to support Augie in a pivotal event: the Battle Royale.

Danny organizes a team to include Wheeler and Ronnie, enabling Augie to participate. Donning costumes reminiscent of KISS and traveling in the Minotaur SUV, they show up for the battle, ready to face challenges alongside their supporters—Augie’s parents, Gayle, and even Beth. The climax arrives when Augie manages to defeat the King, only to be confronted by another player, leading to his eventual downfall. Nonetheless, this experience helps Augie realize his passion for role-playing is valid, garnering support from his parents afterward.

As the film culminates, the celebration allows Augie to connect with Esplen, a girl he admires, paving the way for a budding romance. Meanwhile, in a heartfelt moment, Danny serenades Beth with an impromptu rendition of the KISS song “Beth,” rekindling their relationship. Inspired by the efforts and transformations of both Danny and Wheeler, Gayle expresses her willingness to advocate for them in front of the judge, signaling hope for their future.