Role Models - DVD Review

Director David Wain's film Role Models was one of the best comedies of 2008. Taking a fairly traditional story line, Wain (who was also responsible for Wet Hot American Summer and The Ten) and stars Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott transform Role Models from a typical studio comedy into something smart, subversive and very, very funny. It celebrates geekdom and misanthropy (two of my favorite hobbies) equally and finds new ways to spin some familiar comedic territory. Role Models proves that Wain deserves a spot at the Hollywood table with the best comedy directors working today.

Universal has become known for including tons of extra on their comedy DVDs (think of the Judd Apatow films, or last year's Forgetting Sara Marshall DVD), and they've continued that streak for Role Models. There are a number of deleted scenes and outtakes -- including entire scenes with recognizable stars like Amanda Righetti and the great Louis C.K. -- all of which are funny in their own right, though wisely cut from the finished film. If anything, the DVD could use more of this material; it's hinted at throughout the bonus features that there was even more still left on the cutting room floor.

If there's a disappointment to be felt about the disc, it's that co-writer/director Wain has recorded his commentary track alone. For such a funny guy, it's a fairly dry talk; he covers how the project came together and what material was improvised, but it feels like a missed opportunity. I only wish Rudd and Wain's former <i>State</i>-mate Ken Marino (all of whom contributed to the screenplay) could have been in on the commentary. I can only imagine how funny and entertaining that would have been.