I Love You, Man

I Love You, Man (2009)
DreamWorks Pictures
Directed by John Hamburg
Starring Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones

Hot off the success breaking away from the Judd Apatow crew with the surprise hit Role Models, Paul Rudd teams up with Along Came Polly director John Hamburg for the hilarious bromance film I Love You, Man. Rudd stars as Peter Klaven, who after proposing to his girlfriend, realizes that he has no true friends. With the help of his gay brother, girlfriend (Jones), and mother, Peter starts going on “man-dates” to find a bud to be his best man at the wedding. He soon finds the eccentric Sydney Fife (Segel), and the two hit it off.

I Love You, Man is a very original, very heartwarming comedy which puts a strange twist on the romantic comedies. Instead of a traditional “rom-com” it uses a bromance approach. Peter and Sydney become best friends, attending Rush concerts together, and attacking Lou Ferrigno. Rudd and Segel have worked together in many Apatow films, but it is great to see both star in one film outside of the Apatow universe. They have a great chemistry on screen that makes this awkward situation believable. There are many other great supporting actors here that give the film some great moments as well: Andy Samberg, J.K. Simmons, Jaime Pressly, Jon Favreau, and Thomas Lennon. All bring tremendous humor to their parts and make this film extremely humorous.

While there is not a strong social message in I Love You, Man, it does show that true friendship is like a relationship with a loved one. Both require patience, chemistry, trust, and loyalty to evolve and stay alive. Both Sydney’s and Peter’s relationship mirrors many relationships including Peter’s and Zooey’s. Another aspect to the friendship theme is that a friend will do anything for you, and that a true friend is hard to find, so don’t lose them. It is only at the climax does Sydney and Peter realize this.

I Love You, Man is a well crafted comedy that mixes enough humor with raunchiness and guy humor to entertain all audiences. Both Rudd and Segel are wonderful comedians and it is about time they are allowed to show it, without being overcast by others such as Will Ferrell, Steve Carrell, or Seth Rogen. Both of these talented comedians’ careers should soar from this highly clever, well written, extremely funny male “rom-com.”

Rating: B+


June 13, 2010