Role Models Movie Review: Age Rating, Message & More

Few comedies manage to be both wildly inappropriate and surprisingly sincere about the importance of mentorship, which is exactly what Role Models does—and why the 2008 film still gets quoted today. Directed by David Wain, the movie follows two energy-drink salesmen who land in trouble and end up as mentors to a pair of troubled kids, and whether you’re a parent wondering if it’s okay for your twelve-year-old or just curious what the critics thought, here’s what you need to know.

Released: 2008 ·
Cast: Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott ·
Genre: Comedy ·
Available on: Netflix

Three key facts, one pattern: the film is built on a deliberate contrast between its crude surface and its genuine heart.

Is Role Models a Good Film?

Critics and audiences largely agree that Role Models delivers on its promise of crude, heartfelt comedy. The film holds an 83% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator), with the consensus calling it “a frequently crude, always funny comedy with the cast providing solid work throughout.”

“a frequently crude, always funny comedy with the cast providing solid work throughout.” — Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus

Roger Ebert (Pulitzer Prize-winning critic) gave it a positive review, calling it “a funny comedy.”

“a funny comedy.” — Roger Ebert

What do critics say?

• Variety (industry trade publication) noted the film’s “enough crude humor to justify its R rating.”
• Salon (cultural commentary outlet) described the setup as “Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott playing energy drink reps for a product called Minotaur.”
• IMDb users give it a 6.8/10 (IMDb), indicating generally favorable reviews.

The implication: this is a comedy that knows exactly what it wants to be – and executes it well enough to win over most critics.

What is the audience score?

On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score is 59%, showing a more divided reaction. The film’s brash humor may not click with everyone, but those who enjoy the style tend to love it.

The pattern: critics rated it higher than general audiences, which is unusual for a raunchy comedy – perhaps because the writing and performances lift the material.

Can My 12 Year Old Watch Role Models?

Short answer: most parents and rating bodies say no – the film is squarely aimed at mature audiences. The MPAA gives it an R rating for “crude and sexual content, strong language, and nudity” (IMDb Parents Guide). Common Sense Media (parent advocacy group) recommends age 15+.

What is the age rating?

• MPAA: R – no one under 17 admitted without parent
• Netflix Canada: R (Netflix Canada)
• Netherlands: 12 (Netflix Netherlands) – regional variation
• Kids-In-Mind: 8.3.7 (sex/nudity 8, profanity 3, violence 7) (Kids-In-Mind)

The catch: even though the Netherlands rates it 12, the content is still very strong for a twelve-year-old – especially the language and sexual references.

What does Common Sense Media say?

They flag the film’s pervasive use of the f-word, sexual banter, and drug references. The scorecard review notes “frequent use of the f-bomb” (The Scorecard Review (film blog)).

Why this matters: a twelve-year-old will likely be exposed to more adult content than most parents expect from a comedy with a silly premise.

What Are the Inappropriate Scenes in Role Models?

Several scenes push the R rating to its limit. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable content warnings.

Examples of crude humor

• The energy drink binge – a character chugs multiple cans of Minotaur, leading to erratic behavior.
• Medieval role-playing scenes include sexual innuendo and adult jokes.
• Bobb’e J. Thompson’s character, a young boy, uses profanity and makes sexually charged comments.

IMDb’s parental guide lists sex and nudity as moderate, profanity as severe, and alcohol/drugs as moderate (IMDb Parents Guide). Violence and gore are mild, with frightening scenes rated none.

Sexual content

• Nudity is present, including a scene where Elizabeth Banks’ character is seen in a towel.
• Sexual references are frequent and explicit.

Language

• Heavy use of the f-word, including in front of the minor characters.
• Racial and homophobic slurs make an appearance.

The catch: even with its heart, the film’s relentless crude humor and explicit language may be too much for many parents to overlook, making previewing essential.

What Is the Message of Role Models?

Despite its R-rated packaging, Role Models has a surprisingly earnest message: everyone can be a role model, even deeply flawed people. The film argues that mentorship isn’t about perfection, but about showing up and caring.

Themes of mentorship

• Danny (Rudd) learns to stop being cynical and engage with his mentee.
• Wheeler (Scott) discovers that pretending to be a mentor can actually turn into real growth.

Personal growth

• The characters are forced to confront their own immaturity.
• The climax – a medieval battle – symbolises the messy, awkward process of becoming a better person.

The importance of positive role models

• The film subverts expectations: the “bad” adults end up being exactly what the kids need.

The pattern: the movie uses the very concept it parodies – inappropriate role models – to show that even imperfect people can have a positive influence.

What Is a Role Model?

Before you evaluate the film’s take, it helps to understand the term itself. A role model is a person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people.

Definition of role model

• Dictionary definition: a person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.
• Key characteristics include integrity, empathy, responsibility, and resilience.

Characteristics of a good role model

• Demonstrates honesty and accountability.
• Shows respect for others regardless of status.
• Perseveres through challenges without giving up.

Examples of role models in real life

• Teachers who inspire students to learn.
• Parents who model kindness and hard work.
• Public figures like athletes or activists who use their platform for good.

The takeaway: the film’s genius is that it takes two characters who are the opposite of role models – selfish, irresponsible, crude – and shows them becoming exactly that.

Frequently asked questions

For parents in the US and Canada, the decision is clear: Role Models is a great comedy for adults, but it’s not appropriate for a 12-year-old. If you’re in the Netherlands where the rating is 12, consider that the local rating may not reflect the intensity of the content. The trade-off is between sharing a genuinely funny film about mentorship and exposing a young teen to language and themes they may not be ready for. Watch it first, decide together, and the film, when previewed and discussed, can become a tool for parents to teach the real meaning of role models.