Paul Rudd is Peter Klaven, a man who is on the verge of getting married and realizes he does not have a single male friend to be a Best Man. His fiancé, played by Rashida Jones, sets him up on a series of “man” dates (which are some of the more memorable scenes) to hunt down a best man. Finally, he happens upon the ultimate guy’s guy in Sydney Fife, played by Jason Segel, a single, slightly obnoxious, drink-alcohol-and-talk-about-sex type of man. Their new “bromance” begins to interfere with Peter’s engagement and the laughter never stops.
Wow, what a brilliant and simple concept! These new breed of comedies that have come out in the last 5 years are simply refreshing. It seems we are on a whole new playing field and it’s hopefully preventing the lesser cliché comedies from even being attempted anymore. Usually you would hear Judd Apatow’s name but this is directed by John Hamburg and the story by Larry Levin. What’s funny is the formula isn’t that different, yet this is a story we haven’t seen before. This is a romantic comedy between two heterosexual men. How does that seem possible? Well, I LOVE YOU MAN manages to achieve just that; not only very funny but very sweet as well.
The supporting cast does a great job with J.K. Simmons as Peter’s father who is best friends with Peter’s gay brother played by Andy Samberg. This is just another side story that adds another level of hilarity. Jamie Pressly and Jon Favreau are funny as a dysfunctional married couple and we get to see Lou Ferrigno play himself becoming “very upset” that Peter can not sell his house.
The real credit belongs to the chemistry between the two leads. Rudd finally proves he can be a leading man. His awkwardness as a man who doesn’t know how to be a man is some of the shows best stuff. His insecurity and failed attempts to be cool are sincere and embarrassing. He’s always just one step behind but never gives up and Rudd pulls off the emotional subtlety with ease. Segel is one of the most talented guys you don’t quite know yet, bringing a new comedic spin into everything he does, whether it be from TV shows like “Freaks and Geeks” to “How I Met Your Mother” or movies like KNOCKED UP to FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL. His character is the perfect best friend, loyal, non-judgmental and always instigating a good time. He’s direct, crass and disgusting but you can’t help but really like and care for the guy. The film slows only for a moment but the jokes keep on coming and I was eagerly anticipating what I would be laughing at next.
