Some comedies are just dumb fun and to be honest that’s okay. But this film does something a little different. Sure, it’s filled with crude jokes, inappropriate costumes and ridiculous scenarios, but underneath all that chaos is a movie that’s strangely wholesome. It’s the kind of film that makes you laugh way more than you’d expect and then out of nowhere, hits you with a little heart.

The story follows Danny (Paul Rudd) and Wheeler (Seann William Scott) two guys who screw up big time and end up being sentenced to community service as mentors for a youth program called Sturdy Wings. They’re supposed to be role models but they’re the last people who should be giving life advice. Danny is miserable, sarcastic, and just got dumped. Wheeler is an energy-drink-chugging man-child. Basically, two disasters walking into a children’s charity.

At first, it’s all played for laughs. And to be honest, it works. The chemistry between Rudd and Scott is effortless. The dialogue is sharp and full of quotable lines. Jane Lynch steals every scene she’s in as the overly intense program leader. And the kids? They’re not cute clichés, they’ve got edge. Ronnie, a foul-mouthed little hurricane, and Augie, a shy LARP (live action role-playing) enthusiast, bring their own brand of chaos.

But somewhere in all the absurdity the movie finds its groove. Danny starts to open up. Wheeler starts to care. And somehow, through LARP battles, awkward conversations, and some seriously strange mentoring moments, they begin to connect with these kids. It’s messy but it feels real. You start rooting for everyone involved even when they’re wearing fake armor and swinging foam swords.

Watching Role Models feels like watching School of Rock if it had more profanity or The 40-Year-Old Virgin with a little more heart than you were ready for. It balances raunchy humor with genuine character development. That’s not easy to pull off, but this movie manages to do it without losing its comedic edge.

There’s a scene toward the end but it’s one of those classic underdog moments where everyone comes together, weird costumes and all, and you realize you’ve become way more invested than you thought you’d be. It’s ridiculous, but kind of awesome. Like an emotional payoff hiding inside a bro comedy.

So… Stream it or skip it? Definitely stream it.

It’s not a perfect film, and it’s definitely not for kids (despite the title), but it delivers on what it promises: big laughs, bizarre scenarios, and just enough sincerity to give it some staying power. So that’s it. Thanks for reading. If you’re in the mood for something that’s loud, inappropriate, but secretly kind of touching, give this movie a shot. You might be surprised how much heart can hide behind a foam sword and a KISS costume.