I Love You, Man (Paramount Pictures)
A Not So Fine Bromance
Paul Rudd and Jason Segel star in the new comedy I Love You, Man. This is the latest in the line of so-called funny movies that feature graphic sexual chatter in the quest for laughs. The plot of the movie is actually quite good but the execution is off-putting by its coarseness. Maybe this is what audiences are seeking but then again maybe not.
Rudd plays Peter Klaven, a realtor who is successful in his business dealings. He is also successful in his love life as he has found the woman he wants to marry. Zooey (Rashida Jones) thinks he is pretty perfect but it worries Peter that he has no male friends to be in his wedding party. He has always been the type of guy who is more comfortable around women than men.
The film concerns his quest to find a new best friend. This person arrives in the form of Sydney Fife (Segel), an investor who shows up at one of Peters open houses. He is a mans man and supposedly has a lot of male buddies. He and Peter click. And soon he is Peters new best friend.
There is a lot more that goes in on in this movie but you see where it is heading. Peter tries to play the role of guy guy and it is just painfully awkward. In portraying this Rudd is maybe too good of an actor. He is so awkward that it isnt funny, it is embarrassing. You cringe as Peter tries to get the right phrases to be one of the boys.
Segel is okay in his role. He doesnt add a lot to the movie but he is adequate. Jones is also just okay as Zooey. If they had had more of a special spark the movie might have had more punch. Or if they had followed the lead of second leads Jon Favreau and Jaime Pressly the film could have entertained more. Favreau and Pressly are hilarious as a bickering couple who live for make up sex.
The film is rated R for profanity, gross language and sexual situations.
The acting is good overall in this film but the storyline gets a little stale by the middle of the movie. There is a whole interlude about Peter trying to sell Lou Ferrignos house that adds nothing to the films enjoyment. And then there are all the sexually graphic conversations that could make some audience members squirm in their seats..
Paul Rudd is a good actor. I am not yet convinced he is leading man material. He has been better in movies where he had a less featured role. The jury is out on Segel too. Between this film and Forgetting Sarah Marshall he hasnt convinced me he has what it takes to be a leading man.
I Love You, Man ends up being a middling movie. It entertains but just not enough.
I scored I Love You, Man a bromantic 5 out of 10.
