Reviews by Matt

As one who uses words on a fairly regular basis, there are a few words I absolutely hate. The word “whatnot” is at the top of that list, but there is one word that is slowly climbing that list; “bromance.” It is used to describe a close relationship between two men, or “bros” The word seems to be everywhere in the entertainment world and now there is even a movie based on it. While the word is never spoken in the movie, I can only hope that “I Love You, Man” marks the end of the word. Though I doubt it.

Real estate agent, Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) has always been a girlfriend guy and this has caused his guy friends to fall by the wayside. Now he has found Zooey, (Rashinda Jones) and plans on marring her. There is one small problem; he does not have a best man. With the wedding a few months away he sets out to find his best man. He is set up on a series of “man-dates” and is still without a best man. When showing Lou Ferrigno’s house, he meets Sydney Fife (Jason Segel) and the two start up a friendship that could end up being the one Peter is looking for.

If there is one Hollywood trend I do not mind, it is the R-rated comedies that have become popular over the past few years. It really all started with 2004’s “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.” It was a hit and it made studios more willing to green light a raunchy comedy. Not surprisingly both Segel and Rudd have been apart of some of the bigger comedies of the past few years, and this movie looks to continue their success.

Paul Rudd is quickly becoming the funniest person on the planet. He has an almost deadpan way of delivering lines. He is not
someone who has to be overly physical to be funny. If you look at recent interviews he did on “The Daily Show,” you will see he has an ability to improvise some of the most random things.

In “I Love You, Man” he plays a guy just trying to make a friend. He has lived a life where he has never had time for guy friends. Sydney resents the life he never had and he finds himself willing to do anything to get time to spend with Sydney; even at the expense of his relationship with Zooey.

Segel has found a lot of success recently. He wrote and starred in last year’s hit, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and has a starring role on the hit sitcom, “How I Met Your Mother.” He is even writing the new Muppets movie. Sydney reminds me a lot of Segel’s character in “Freak and Geeks.” Both are slackers who enjoy free time more than working. Sydney goes to open houses to pick up divorcées and never seems to work even though he says he is in investments. Segal plays Sydney as the type of guy we all need in our lives. Someone who is always calm and just goes with the flow.

One of the strengths of this movie are the supporting roles of Denise and Barry played by Jamie Pressly and Jon Favreau. They are a married couple who never get along and seem to be together just for the fight and the make-up sex. Pressly and Faverau play off one another really well and add some humor in scene that is not designed to be funny.

If anyone is going to be the potential breakout star, it is Rashida Jones. She is probably best known for the role of Karen on “The Office.” She proved in her stint on the show that she can play comedy very well. She gets a few funny lines, but her part is mostly relegated to being the “straight man” of the movie. She is involved in the more dramatic and emotional scenes. Peter’s relationship with Syndey puts a strain on his relationship with Zooey. She is supportive of his decision to find a best friend, but when it starts to interfere with her engagement, she becomes concerned.

Let’s talk about the concept of “man-date” for a second. Why is there even a term for this? There is not “woman-date” for when women get together and do something. Why should men get singled out? What is it about men going to a movie, or grabbing a bite to eat that makes people want to label it? I saw this movie under “man-date” circumstances. I see a lot of movies or gone to a restaurant with my guy friends and have never felt it was an odd thing to be doing. It is just something we do.

As with most of the R-rated comedies, this one has a bit of heart behind all the cursing and risqué talk. It boils down to balancing relationships with your significant other and your friends. Peter learns the hard way that you need to make time for both or risk losing it all.

Is this on par with movies like “Forgetting Sarah Marshall?” It is as good as any of the R-rated movies that have been released in the past few years. It does not raise the bar, but it succeeds at what it needs to do: entertain. It is actually the perfect movie for a “man-date.”

8 out of 10
Rated R for pervasive language, including crude and sexual references.
105 min