Role Models (2008)

150 hours of community service sounds like punishment, and for the first stretch of Role Models it kind of is, for you too. The early jokes are mostly grown men being rude to children, and the plot is pure formula: slackers meet kids, slackers lie, slackers make a big gesture. Then it finds its secret weapon: a medieval role-playing game in a park, all foam swords and very serious capes. Christopher Mintz-Plasse makes Augie so sincere the jokes end up on his side. Paul Rudd is hilarious as Danny, so grumpy he treats a coffee order like a personal insult. Seann William Scott’s Wheeler bonds with Ronnie over KISS, which is sweeter than it should be. Jane Lynch steals every scene as the program boss, and Ken Jeong plays the game’s king with total commitment. It made $92.6 million worldwide on a reported $28M. A 6.6 because the cape stuff has real heart and the first act is coasting. $340.84 says you spot a foam sword at a yard sale and buy it for reasons you can’t explain.

What works: Paul Rudd’s deadpan misery is great, and the medieval role-playing world gives the movie a surprisingly sweet heart.

What doesn’t: The first act leans on rude, lazy jokes, and the story follows the slackers-learn-a-lesson formula beat for beat.

Who it’s for: Grown-up comedy fans who’ve ever loved a hobby a little too much and want a big-hearted payoff.