Simple and charming, ‘I Love You, Man’ incites laughter
Hamburg’s comedy redefines ‘mandate’
By Blair Mathias
Staff Writer
Each year after the Academy Awards, it seems brilliant movies of the fall and winter wane into the mediocre and easily forgotten summer flicks. Refreshing exceptions to this dismal shift in theater selections—summer action flicks and the often appealing, witty comedy—make occasional appearances. “I Love You, Man” accomplishes its amusing mission effectively.
The plot stays simple, and the jokes can be outlandish, but overall the tasteless humor is outshined by Jason Segal’s engaging wit and Paul Rudd’s lovable awkwardness.
The plot focuses on Peter Klaven (Rudd), charming, loyal and notoriously committed to his relationships with girlfriends. Peter gets engaged to the stunning Zooey (Rashida Jones) and finds himself short a best man—or any male friend whatsoever.
His brother Robbie (Andy Samberg) gives him a few tips about searching for a best friend on the Internet. After suffering through a series of unfortunate man-dates, Peter gives up, deciding to concentrate on his job and the engagement.
Peter works as an upscale real estate agent set on selling ex-Hulk Lou Ferrigno’s mansion. At an open house for Ferrigno’s home, Peter meets Sydney Fife (Segal) who immediately becomes a friend prospect for Peter.
Segal plays the laid back and clever Sydney with ease, undoubtedly channeling some of his own personality into the role.
Peter and Sydney begin to spend more time together, with Sydney guiding Peter to live life with spontaneity, pleasure and a little insanity. There are moments when it is difficult to remember who is in love—Sydney and Peter, or Zooey and Peter. Peter and Sydney go on man-date after man-date, playing music and bonding, while Peter slowly begins to ignore his commitments to his fiancée.
Explanation cannot do the several riotous scenes of “I Love You, Man” justice. But if you like the band Rush, you will like this movie. Segal and Rudd not only play their own comical versions of the band’s songs, but Rush makes an appearance and even performs during the film.
Several familiar faces join the cast of “I Love You, Man” including Jaime Pressly, Lou Ferrigno, Jane Curtin, Jon Favreau and J.K. Simmons. Altogether this film is a worthwhile escape that will, most likely, leave viewers giggling.
