I Love You, Man

Fifteen years ago on this day in 2009, I Love You, Man came out in theaters. My favorite scenes from this movie are: Peter Klaven trying to find some friends when also hanging out with Barry and his friends, Lonnie talking in a high-pitched voice, Peter and Sydney Fife walking on the Venice Boardwalk and going to Sydney's house both for the first time, Peter and Sydney jamming, Peter saying Slap the Bass, the engagement dinner scene, the Rush concert scene, and Peter seeing billboards of himself. With that being said, happy fifteenth anniversary to I Love You, Man starring Paul Rudd as Peter Klaven and Jason Segel as Sydney Fife.

Peter (Paul Rudd) is engaged to Zooey (Rashida Jones) and he suddenly realizes he doesn't have any close friends...no one who could be his best man. So, he goes about trying to meet more guys and develop friendships...but mostly very unsuccessfully. However, one new guy he seems to hit it off with is Sydney (Jason Segel)...a strange guy who definitely walks to his own drummer. But because Sydney is such an odd guy and Peter is spending so much time with him, it also causes complications. What type and how do they all get worked out? See the film and find out for yourself.

I really enjoyed this film but can pretty much guarantee many won't...such as my wife. This is because the film is filled with many awkward moments....scenes that make your skin crawl a bit. I actually LIKE that sort of humor...but it's certainly not for everyone.

Funny movies have to be funny. That's the only rule about funny movies. They don't have to live up to any expectations, they can be about the same thing that movies always are. It really doesn't matter. As long as they are funny.

I Love You, Man is a funny movie. In case the plot is of any interest to you, it's about this guy (Paul Rudd) who is getting married to this woman (Rashida Jones), but he realizes that he doesn't really have any male friends to fill out his side of the wedding party. So he starts on a quest with the aid of his brother (Andy Samberg) to find a best man. When he finally thinks he finds one (Jason Segel), hilarity ensues.

On the spectrum of comedies, this is a bro movie. One made basically for guys, a little raunchy. But honestly, it's not too R-rated. It cusses a bit, discusses sex a lot, things like that. But not nearly as R-rated as say... Role Models, which I feel is sort of along the same lines. Comparable at least. They are both very funny movies, and both have Paul Rudd.

But this is about I Love You, Man. The highlight of the movie, for me, is Thomas Lennon as Doug. I have been a fan of his for a long time, at least since Reno 911 came out. Which is a brilliant show. Paul Rudd is very, very cute, but not always convincing, the same with Rashida Jones as his fiancée. It's a movie that Ben Stiller would have made if he were younger. Jason Segel does what Jason Segel does. He plays his role very capably as Sydney, the crazed friend.

And that is I Love You, Man. It's a rather simple, but funny movie.

Paul Rudd has managed to do a good job of delivering a solid "normal guy" comic lead in comedies that are amusing if not particularly amazing. This is not a criticism though because I do find the films he has been in recently to be perfectly enjoyable, with a consistent comic air and a good handful of laughs spread across a plot that, while not engaging or amazing, is not offensively simple or crass either. This track record is what brought me to I Love You Man because I felt like I knew what to expect from the film and also that I was fairly confident that it would meet my expectations and maybe even be a bit better than I expected. I'm not trying to say that if it was weak that I could enjoy it because I thought it would be weak and was prepared for that, but just that the film needs to deliver what it proposes to do and satisfy on those terms – which given how many poor comedies and blockbusters come out of Hollywood, is not as easy as it sounds.

Fortunately, ILYM does do this and it does it in a way that will please the majority of viewers. The plot is simple and sets up the obvious gags but does also produce a solid "bromance" narrative, which is enjoyable while not saying much more than the basics about the nature of modern men. What helps it a great deal is that it is funny. The tone of it is well maintained and it did keep me in the mood to laugh, which is half the battle. It manages this through the main characters being likable in the most part as well as having plenty of pretty funny asides or episodes based on plot or character, which are again delivered well by a cast containing endless faces that will be familiar to anyone who watches US comedy on even a semi-regular basis.

I'm not sure that Paul Rudd is close to being an all-round leading man type of actor but certainly this type of film (like some of his other recent turns) plays to his strengths. He is comically awkward but yet also keeps the audience with him by being easy to like – helped by the film being light on crude or crass comedy, which can put me off some characters. He works well with TV comedian Segel, who is perhaps a less engaging and likable character but does convince within it and is funny. Beyond the two of them everyone else is pretty much in a supporting role and, as well as having lots of famous faces, they do mostly deliver laughs in "asides". Pressly and Favreau are both very good at this and steal a lot of scenes. I liked The Office's Jones turn as the fiancé as I generally like her delivery. There are many other faces to recognise (such as Simmons, Samberg, Curtin, Chaandrasekhar, Ferrigno, Wilmore) and some of them do provide value even if others only provide a face.

Overall though, ILYM delivers what it sets its stall out to do – which is a gentle and funny comedy that is easy to watch and entertaining even if it is fleeting and not particularly memorable as a film in and of itself. Rudd plays to his strengths and provides the thin plot with a likable and engaging core, while the material is very funny at best and amusing at worst. Not a classic by any means but it has laughs and it has charm.

Delightful and hilarious comedy that celebrates friendship, love, and the awkwardness of adult bonding. This film is a feel-good gem that had me laughing out loud and smiling from ear to ear throughout the entire ride.

First and foremost, the chemistry between Paul Rudd and Jason Segel is pure gold. Their bromance is the heart and soul of I Love You, Man, and their comedic timing is impeccable. Rudd's endearing awkwardness and Segel's laid-back charm create a dynamic duo that's an absolute joy to watch.

The film's humor is smart and relatable, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that hit the mark. The witty banter and hilarious situations the characters find themselves in add to the film's charm. It's a comedy that doesn't rely on cheap gags but instead delivers genuine and authentic laughs.

At its core, I Love You, Man is a celebration of friendship and the importance of having meaningful connections in adulthood. The film explores the sometimes awkward and challenging process of making new friends as an adult, a theme that resonates with many viewers.

The supporting cast is another highlight, with great performances from Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg, and the always-funny JK Simmons. They add depth and humor to the story, creating a well-rounded ensemble that elevates the film.

The film's heartwarming moments are just as delightful as its humor. It balances comedic moments with genuine emotional beats, making you invest in the characters' journeys and root for their friendships.

Furthermore, the film's soundtrack is an absolute delight, adding to the overall enjoyment of the movie. The music perfectly complements the tone of the film and enhances the viewing experience.

In conclusion, I Love You, Man is a heartwarming and hilarious comedy that celebrates friendship, love, and the joys of adult bonding. With its brilliant performances, smart humor, and genuine heart, it's a movie that leaves you with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

If you're in the mood for a feel-good comedy that celebrates the beauty of friendship, I Love You, Man is the perfect choice. It's a charming and uplifting film that reminds us all of the importance of having great friends in our lives.