Seann William Scott isn't afraid to criticize his own work. While he says he's still proud of his role as the sex-obsessed character Steve Stifler in the "American Pie" movies, he's considerably less excited by the poorly received, cinematic version of "The Dukes of Hazzard."
And he's curiously silent on the subject of even-less-popular films such as "Bulletproof Monk" and "Mr. Woodcock." That silence speaks volumes, though.
"In this business, there are certain things you have to do. One of them is to keep working, to keep making movies, no matter how bad the project might be," he sighed.
One movie project Scott is genuinely happy about is the comedy "Role Models." He and Paul Rudd play irresponsible energy-drink company representatives who are forced to perform hundreds of hours of community service.
"I can honestly say this is one of the funniest movies I've made. I crack up just thinking about some of the things we got away with in it," Scott said.
The 32-year-old actor was recently in Denver to promote the R-rated comedy. He was originally signed to star in the project two years ago but became excited once Rudd ("The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Anchorman") was signed to join him.
"Paul is that guy everyone wants to work with," he recalled. "He's absolutely hilarious, and he makes everyone that much better."
Rudd was part of a package deal. He brought with him co-screenwriter/director David Wain and co-screenwriter/co-star Ken Marino, with whom Rudd had teamed for the movies "Wet Hot American Summer" (2001) and "The Ten" (2007).
Wain, Marino and Rudd all reworked the original script from Timothy Dowling (the 1999 short "George Lucas in Love"). "It was already a funny idea, but those guys made it that much funnier," Scott said.
Still, there were certain things Wain insisted upon, whether Scott approved or not. That included a subplot about LARPers, also known as live-action role players. ("Superbad's" Christopher Mintze-Plasse plays a socially awkward teen and avid LARPer whom Rudd's character mentors.)
"At first, it just didn't seem like it wasn't going to be funny," he said. "But it turned out to be a lot sweeter and less mean-spirited, which was my main concern."
Scott's character also mentors a trouble youngster: the dirty-minded and foul-mouthed Ronnie (Bobb'e J. Thompson). "This kid is seriously so funny," he said. "Bobb'e reminds me of the younger Eddie Murphy. He's going to be absolutely huge."
Of course, not everything about the movie thrilled Scott. "I won't forget that David insisted on putting me in that stupid Minotaur costume. And putting me in full KISS makeup. And making me run around naked," he said.
But Scott added that he would work with Wain, Marino and Rudd "in a heartbeat." "When you have that much fun and that much freedom, it's hard to say no. Getting paid for that is just the cherry on top."
E-mail: jeff@desnews.com