Whodini, a hip-hop group from the’80s, once sang, “Friends, how many of us have them?”
Well, as far as it goes for Peter Klavin, played by Paul Rudd (“Knocked Up,” 2007) he doesn’t seem to have that many – guy friends, that is.
Klavin does have friends, but they all just happen to be female in the new comedy “I Love You, Man.”
When it comes down to his relationship with his fiancée Zooey, played by Rashida Jones (“The Office”), he is set and ready to go with the wedding, except for the fact that he doesn’t have best man.
With that, he sets off into the world of “man-dating” in search of a best friend to call his own.After several obstacles and honest mistakes, Klaven comes to meet a laid back and truly blunt guy by the name of Sydney Fife, played by none other than Jason Segel (“Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” 2008) who not only fills the spot of best friend, but helps give Peter that confidence that he truly needs in his life.
They hit it off instantaneously – jamming to some Rush songs, hanging out in the “man cave,” and even taking on (or at least attempting to) Lou Ferrigno
(“The Incredible Hulk,” 1977).
Both Rudd and Segel, who are two of the few actors in Vanity Fair’s “Comedy’s New Legends” group, did great jobs portraying a modern day Cheech and Chong relationship, without any of the drugs, but with plenty of laughs.
Fans are sure to enjoy the rest of the cast as well, including Jon Favreau (“Swingers,” 1996) and Andy Samberg (“Saturday Night Live”).
The setting of the movie takes place in Los Angeles, and the film displays many great locations the city has to offer, such as The Grove and Venice Boardwalk.
The movie is directed and written by John Hamburg (“Along Came Polly,” 2004), along side fellow writer Larry Levin (“Dr. Doolittle 2,” 2001).
It deals with the very real subject of friendship – a man needing a best friend he can depend on. The movie deals with the problem a man faces when he loses his friends to either a better half, kids or even just by drifting apart. It’s about being able to find that one friend you need as much they need you.
It crosses the boundaries by being a one of a kind “bro-mance” movie, which is a romantic comedy movie blended with the awkwardness of falling in love with a “bro” instead of a woman, but all in good humor.
And just like when watching a romantic comedy, the storyline is predictable yet very fresh and funny.
From the various scenes of Segel’s character wearing Ugg boots, to the hilarious billboards of Rudd’s character plastered all over the city, “I Love You, Man” is funny from beginning to end, providing a down-to-earth movie that mature audiences can enjoy.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
