Role Models is a good model for comedy directors.

In a world dominated by clique style film making (particularly in the realm of comedy) it's not easy breaking the wall of Judd Apatows, Cohen Brothers, Will Ferrals, Kevin Smiths and Ben Stillers. Unless you're BFF's with one of these dudes, chances are you're not going to be making a big budget comedy in Hollywood. Cue David Wain. I've been following this guy since his early days with The State, and he doesn't disappoint. Granted, Wain's brand of humor can sometimes be an acquired taste...and his "clique" of comedy actors are just now starting to bloom. (Reno 911 crew, Elizabeth Banks, et al.) Wain is definitely one to watch to help topple this empire of cruddy recycled comedies. With that said, let's talk about the movie shall we?

Role Models stars one of my favorite, not as off the radar as he used to be, comedians Paul Rudd playing a character who I can sort of relate to. A sarcastic know-it-all that pokes fun at way more stuff than he should, and often times is depressed by knowing how crappy everything is. Wow...time to reflect. That comes later, more to the point...I find Rudd completely perfect for this role as his sarcastic disenchanted attitude that he does so well is perfect in this performance even up to the enlightened moment where he "learns his lesson" as all feel good comedies tend to do. Though let's not over analyze thematic elements, character intricacies and overall comedic narrative and stick to what I really enjoyed. This movie was pretty much about some of my favorite things ever: Sarcasm, Fantasy, Boobs, and the rock band KISS.

Halfway through the film I started wondering if this movie was tailored to me? The humor was over the top but delivered in a quick and subtle fashion instead of being crammed down your throat and beaten to a pulp like Smith, Apatow and Stiller seem to get off on. (Plus, Seth Rogen was no where near this film ::whew:: ) Also the subject matter was entertaining enough to keep me through the whole film. Sure, we're not covering new ground here...Immature adults being responsible over children is not a new concept, nor is making nerdy kids cool in your films epic climax. However, Wain was able to pull it together without making me curse under my breath, and for that he gets my applause. Also for the crayon picture of "Beyonce sprinkling sugar on my dick"

Following the very entertaining, yet slightly dissapointing, The Ten, this may be the picture that finally puts Wain running with the big boys where he deserves to be. Let's just hope that when he gets there his films don't turn into recycled garbage like the others...but seeing as he's been sticking to his guns since the early 90's I'd like to hope that won't happen.