There's a lot to love about "I Love You, Man"

By: Drew Baugher

Posted: 5/1/09

There is a new wave of entertainment coming to the big screen recently, 'bromances,' and 'I Love You, Man' fits right in. Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) plays a recently engaged, virtually friendless real estate agent. Peter's beautiful fiancé (Rashida Jones) encourages him to go on a series of 'man-dates' to find a suitable best man for their soon approaching nuptials.

Peter finds that task daunting seeing as he had never really been on the 'bro' scene and was socially awkward when it came to the back and forth of nicknames and jokes, throwing in a few 'Totes Magotes' and a 'Joben' here and there didn't help matters. After encounters with a guy with a squeaking problem and a too close for comfort incident with a gay man, Peter stumbles upon Sydney Fife (Jason Segel) and they have an instant 'dude' connection.

They quickly bond over music, especially the band Rush, and all things male. The brutally honest and free-spirited Sydney forces Peter to come out of his shell, which eventually ends up causing problems with Peter's perfect relationship with his fiancé.

Paul Rudd perfectly balances the sweet boyfriend and 'dude' inside of him and his awkwardness and willingness to please everyone makes the audience root for him and admire his efforts. The chemistry between Rudd and Jones leaves a something to be desired, but it is balanced out by the platonic chemistry between Rudd and Segel. Jaime Pressly and Jon Favreau add to the great cast with an array of hilarious back-and-forths, as does Andy Samberg as Peter's helpful younger brother.

Of course it wouldn't be a 'bromance' movie without the required fart jokes, fist fights, and a scene of intense drinking games followed by some disturbing projectile vomiting, but thankfully those moments don't overwhelm the film. Although the movie doesn't have any exciting twists, it satisfies the funny bone with the dude duo playing off of each other harmoniously. The film clearly illustrates the importance of friendships told in a hilarious way, 4 stars out of 5.