At the Movies with Fatwayne

Finally, a movie that made me laugh and feel good at the same time. This movie is about two misfits who find themselves on the wrong side of the law and facing either jail time or community service at Sturdy Wings (which is a child help organization) as mentors to two of the kids there. Our “bigs” as the mentors are called (the kids are referred to as “littles”) are misfits in a dead end job as co-workers. Forced into their new jobs as “role models” they start off on shaky legs and have a hard time relating to their new charges. Wheeler (Seann William Scott) and Danny (Paul Rudd) are anything but role models! To make matters worse, they are paired with Ronnie who is a precocious 12 year old with a foul mouth and Augie who lives in his own world of fantasy role playing with a group of delusional adults who play act what can only be described as a Renaissance Festival in the local park.

The story evolves with Wheeler and Danny struggling to succeed at Sturdy Wings under the tutelage of the director Gayle (Jane Lynch). Gayle is a scene stealer and will have you laughing each time she appears on screen. To no ones surprise, our mentors fail miserably and now are facing time in the clink with all of those prison rapists who are eagerly waiting for them (or so they think).

As in all of these formula stories, our boys mature and actually form a relationship with their charges. This is where a lot of the fun begins. It is heartwarming to see how each of our characters effect each other in a good way. As a matter of fact, everything and everyone wind up having a very good day indeed.

As I have stated in previous posts, I often judge a movie by the way I feel when I exit the theater. Well, my friends, I felt really good this day. It might have helped that a cold front had just passed through but I still give the movie credit for my euphoria.

Rated R

Fatwayne’s rating: