DJG / I Love You, Man

I Love You, Man * * * ½
Directed by: John Hamburg / 2009

The time for the bromantic comedy is now. Perhaps we have Judd Apatow to credit for the recent surge of buddy flicks, and ones that are well-tailored for that matter. And perhaps society is more acceptable to men being more open with their emotions. Apatow didn’t have a hand in “I Love You Man”, but you can tell his brand is rubbing off on fellow funny guys around him. And that’s not a bad thing, at least right now. Of course, some of that might be in favor of Apatow A-Listers Paul Rudd and Jason Segel employed in this latest flick (and seemingly every other comedy coming out these days), but even the comedic writing in Hollywood is starting to get a little smarter and sweeter.

“I Love You, Man” has you meeting a freshly engaged couple peering into the stir of wedding planning I do’s and don’ts. The only don’t is that groom Peter (Paul Rudd at his best) has always found it awkward to befriend guys and instead was closer to girls. He doesn’t have a best friend, not even any worth candidates for close friends and the idea of a Best Man isn’t even on the menu. After much coaxing and coaching from his family (perfect misfit concoction of J.K. Simmons, Jane Curtain and Andy Samberg) and fiancé (screen high lighter Rashida Jones), Peter starts on a hilarious, and at times painfully awkward, search for a best friend and potential Best Man. Peter deals in real estate and while orchestrating the open house for Lou Ferrigno’s condo (yep, THE INCREDIBLE HULK! and yep he’s actually in the movie!) he stumbles upon like-able Sydney Fife (the always enjoyable Jason Segel) munching on sun-dried tomato basil paninis. He’s not there to buy, rather eat free food and hit on prospective home buying cougars. Surprisingly, Peter strikes up a friendship match and starts to get more comfortable with the confident, honest and fun-loving Sydney than his own wife-to-be, resulting in many mis-adventures, growing experiences and pains, risk taking and even some bass slappin' to the RUSH song book. The film is simple, funny, sweet and at times I found myself relating to it greatly. Despite the typical comedic crass of today (which can be funny, but awkward to laugh at while sitting in-between seventy-year-olds), you’ll walk away with nothing but love for “I Love You Man”…and the search for more bromance.

-djg