Role Models

Role Models follows the lives of two salesmen, Pete (Paul Rudd) and Ronnie (Seann William Scott), who are notorious for their outrageous antics and lack of maturity. They spend their days driving around town in a company truck, hitting the local bars and enjoying the benefits of being young, single professionals. However, their joyride comes to an end when they trashed the company truck on an energy drink-fueled binge. After being apprehended by the authorities, Pete and Ronnie find themselves standing in a courtroom, facing the judge's disapproving gaze. To their surprise, the court offers them a choice: serve one-and-a-half years in jail or enroll in a "Big Brother"-like mentorship program. The program requires them to spend 150 hours over the course of three months with a group of at-risk youth. Pete and Ronnie, who are initially hesitant to take responsibility for their actions, opt for the mentorship program as a way to avoid hard time in jail. Upon meeting their assigned mentees, Danny (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and Augie (Bobb'e J. Thompson), they begin to understand the gravity of their situation. The three of them - Pete, Ronnie, and their assigned protégés - embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, learning valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty, and personal responsibility. As Pete and Ronnie delve deeper into their roles as Big Brothers, they face numerous challenges, from navigating difficult household rules to mediating disputes among their new friends. Their antics and immaturity lead them to clash with their charges at times, but they gradually learn to put the needs of others before their own. Their mentorship takes them through several experiences, including a disastrous camping trip and a night spent at the Boston Red Sox, where they meet famous musician Snoop Dogg. Along the way, Ronnie forms a close bond with Danny, whose eccentricities and interests remind him of himself when he was younger. Meanwhile, Pete becomes more paternal towards Augie, teaching him about the value of family and home. Throughout their mentorship, Pete and Ronnie undergo significant transformations. They learn to put aside their carefree, irresponsible lifestyles and take an interest in the lives of those around them. The film showcases the boys' gradual growth as they form meaningful connections with their Big Brothers. Meanwhile, Pete's girlfriend, Denise (Elizabeth Banks), becomes increasingly frustrated with his behavior, urging him to take his responsibilities more seriously. Her exasperated reactions serve as a counterpoint to the boys' adventures, highlighting Pete's struggles to balance his personal life with his new parental role. As the weeks turn into months, the boys' transformation becomes undeniable, but not without setbacks. Ronnie, still struggling with his own immaturity, gets into trouble one too many times, causing Pete to reevaluate his faith in their mentorship. In a moment of introspection, Pete confronts Ronnie about his behavior, leading to a heart-to-heart conversation that helps Ronnie recognize the error of his ways. The film culminates in a series of comedic and heartfelt moments, showcasing the growth and development of the main characters. As the three months come to a close, Pete, Ronnie, and their mentees say their goodbyes, marking the end of their mentorship. However, the lessons they've learned will stick with them for life, as they begin to forge deeper connections with those around them.