The concept of male camaraderie is not a novel one. Guys have been openly discussing the finer points of music, masturbation and life in general since they could effectively communicate; they’ve just been bashful in admitting their unabated love for one another. I Love You, Man effectively and hilariously knocks down that barrier, as Paul Rudd and Jason Segel will inspire buddies in man caves across the nation to chug beers, slap some bass and tell each other, “I love you, Tico Brohan.”
The film tells the story of Peter Klaven (Rudd), who has just gotten engaged to his girlfriend, Zooey (Rashida Jones), only to realize he doesn’t have anyone to be his best man. After a series of “mandates,” Klaven meets Sydney Fife (Segel), and the two bond over drinks and a love for playing Rush songs. At the height of their bromance, Zooey gets jealous and Peter must decide where his loyalties lie.
There isn’t much of a plot here--it's pretty much just a ruse to get Segel and Rudd hanging out on screen for 90 minutes--but the jokes are so consistent there doesn’t really need to be a story. While none of the jokes are particularly memorable, they rarely miss the mark so you’ll be laughing throughout. The script is smart and not as crass as you would think—there are only two barf scenes and no nut sacks. It was far from just taking your basic romantic comedy formula and applying it to two dudes, and that was refreshing. I was especially pleased that the film never got too sappy; the two friends simply admitted their love and moved on, just like two men really would.
With this role, Rudd secures himself a seat at the table of bankable comedy stars. The Judd Apatow veteran combined Michael Scott’s cluelessness with Rudd’s own cuddly personality that provided exactly what this movie needed—a guy that both dudes and chicks could relate to and laugh at. Segel was his typical self, and although it works for these films, I just don’t know how far it is going to get him. Jon Favreau and Jaime Pressly were a nice complement, and Jones was surprisingly natural in her role (and devilishly beautiful at the screening.)
To all the guys out there, you no longer have to be afraid to admit how much fun you have with you pals, Peter and Sydney have knocked down the barriers and it is now okay to admit, I Love You, Man.
--Mark Collins
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