I Love You, Man
I Love You, Man
Director John Hamburg
Starring Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones
"I Love You, Man" is a really funny movie. Yet, has it broken into "40 Year Old Virgin" territory? Decidedly not, but it is still pretty damn good. I compare it to the level of "Role Models," which also starred Paul Rudd: not quite the Apatow stuff, but still head and shoulders above most of the comedies released nowadays.
Peter Klaven (Rudd) has just asked his girlfriend, Zooey (Jones) to marry him. Overhearing a conversation his now fiancee is having with her friends, Peter realizes that he has no close male friend to be his best man. Thus, he embarks on a search for a boy friend. He goes on a number of "man-dates," including a trip to a L.A. Galaxy game with guy who speaks with a squeak from his brother's gym. He even goes on a real date with a man who mistakes Peter for a homosexual.
At an open house that Peter's hosting, Peter meets Sydney Fife, who is funny and observant. After exchanging business cards, they begin hanging out. From this encounter, friendship blooms.
As we watch their friendship blossom, we observe that Sydney may not be the best tonic for Peter. Sydney is a bit of a lecher and Peter is painfully awkward. Sydney's antics are hurting Zooey and Peter's relationship, with its funniest moment coming during Sydney's toast during the couple's engagement party. Yet, we can't help but enjoy what we are seeing. Segel as Sydney is charming. He seems like that really cool guy who is kind of crazy and who everyone wants to get to know. Peter is inept with other men and Rudd hits it pitch perfect. There are a number of cringe-inducing moments that ring true.
This brings us to the point that Peter and Sydney's relationship is exactly what romantic comedies are all about, except "I Love You, Man" is about a friendship and not a romantic relationship. This is part of what is so funny; things that normally happen between a man and a woman in films are happening between two platonic men.
"I Love You, Man" is one of the funniest movies of the year. Although it is doubtful that it will go down on numerous top ten lists, "I Love You, Man" hits all the right notes that will make your funny bone shiver with laughter.