I Love You, Man
Starring Paul Rudd, Jaime Pressly, Jon Favreau, Jason Segel, Lou Ferrigno
Directed by John Hamburg
This is the quintessential ‘bromance’ film. If you don’t know what bromance is and you’re a woman, you’ll never understand so quit trying. If you’re a man and you don’t know what bromance is, I pity you and you should go out and see this movie to see just want you’re missing, lol. Wikipedia.org describes bromance as “a man-crush; a close but non-sexual relationship between two men. A form of homosocial intimacy.” Basically, it’s you and your bestfriend; the guy that is into all the same stuff you are, and you can spend everyday with and not tire of his company.
This film is hilarious, I’ll tell you that up front. Paul Rudd and Jason Segel lead, and they lead well. Rudd is the main character; a guy who has always had girlfriends, but no real guy friends to speak of. He spends all his time trying to please his fiance and focuses everything on her. When it comes time for the wedding, Rudd has basically no line up for grooms or best man. His fiance and his family try to set him up on ‘man dates’ to help him find a friend. Chaos ensues. Eventually he meets up with Segel, and they hit it off. Segel teaches Rudd the ways of the manliness; which causes a rift inbetween Rudd and his fiance. Can’t give you much more without ruining the plot.
Rudd plays the part of the awkward beta-male to perfection. He portrays being uncomfortable with other men, and when he does try to interact, he comes off looking kind of gay, which is embarassing to him. He even accidently goes out on a man date with a homosexual guy, which is quite a scene. Note that I’m using gay as a lifestyle and set of personality, not in a deragatory or condescending fashion. This film treats the subject with much respect. And for those of you who don’t know, Rudd hasn’t always played the part of the comedian. Look for him in 1996’s Romeo + Juliet. He isn’t just a funny guy, he actually has acting chops.
Segel is a nice counter to Rudd’s characters. He acts the part of the grudgy, a little too honest best pal that no one is quite sure how to take. His toast at Rudd’s engagement party is priceless. I’ll admit to not being a huge fan of Segel, but after seeing this my opinion has altered a bit. I’m interested to see what he does next.
The plot is conventional for these types of movies. It starts with setting up the main character and his friend set. The problem is presented. Hilarity and comedy play out why trying to solve the problem. Things get worse, as they tend to. Epiphany. Then it gets all wrapped up in a clean little package and everyone is happy and they dance into the credits. Woo. There’s really nothing special from the directing or soundtrack side either. Rudd and Segel’s chemistry makes the entire movie, in addition to some great secondary stuff from Favreau. He’s…an asshole, and you love him for it.
And not to forget the man, Ferrigno’s part is actually worth seeing the entire movie for, in my opinion. Let’s just say Segel’s character tries to intimidate the former Hulk star, and it doesn’t turn out too well. If you like the ‘Frat Pack’ movies, you’ll love I Love You, Man. It is pound for pound the funniest movie I’ve seen in a long time. I’d put it up there with recent comedies Role Models and 40 Year Old Virgin. Same type humor, but a bit cleaner.
I saw it at the Alamo, I’d actually pay to see it again in theatres, and I will be looking for it on Blu-Ray in a few months. It’s a buyer. I’m stuck between giving it a 3 and a 3.5 because of how basic and simple the plot was, but I think the simplicity is what made it work so well.
I Love You, Man
Starring Paul Rudd, Jaime Pressly, Jon Favreau, Jason Segel, Lou Ferrigno
Directed by John Hamburg
This is the quintessential ‘bromance’ film. If you don’t know what bromance is and you’re a woman, you’ll never understand so quit trying. If you’re a man and you don’t know what bromance is, I pity you and you should go out and see this movie to see just want you’re missing, lol. Wikipedia.org describes bromance as “a man-crush; a close but non-sexual relationship between two men. A form of homosocial intimacy.” Basically, it’s you and your bestfriend; the guy that is into all the same stuff you are, and you can spend everyday with and not tire of his company.
This film is hilarious, I’ll tell you that up front. Paul Rudd and Jason Segel lead, and they lead well. Rudd is the main character; a guy who has always had girlfriends, but no real guy friends to speak of. He spends all his time trying to please his fiance and focuses everything on her. When it comes time for the wedding, Rudd has basically no line up for grooms or best man. His fiance and his family try to set him up on ‘man dates’ to help him find a friend. Chaos ensues. Eventually he meets up with Segel, and they hit it off. Segel teaches Rudd the ways of the manliness; which causes a rift inbetween Rudd and his fiance. Can’t give you much more without ruining the plot.
Rudd plays the part of the awkward beta-male to perfection. He portrays being uncomfortable with other men, and when he does try to interact, he comes off looking kind of gay, which is embarassing to him. He even accidently goes out on a man date with a homosexual guy, which is quite a scene. Note that I’m using gay as a lifestyle and set of personality, not in a deragatory or condescending fashion. This film treats the subject with much respect. And for those of you who don’t know, Rudd hasn’t always played the part of the comedian. Look for him in 1996’s Romeo + Juliet. He isn’t just a funny guy, he actually has acting chops.
Segel is a nice counter to Rudd’s characters. He acts the part of the grudgy, a little too honest best pal that no one is quite sure how to take. His toast at Rudd’s engagement party is priceless. I’ll admit to not being a huge fan of Segel, but after seeing this my opinion has altered a bit. I’m interested to see what he does next.
The plot is conventional for these types of movies. It starts with setting up the main character and his friend set. The problem is presented. Hilarity and comedy play out why trying to solve the problem. Things get worse, as they tend to. Epiphany. Then it gets all wrapped up in a clean little package and everyone is happy and they dance into the credits. Woo. There’s really nothing special from the directing or soundtrack side either. Rudd and Segel’s chemistry makes the entire movie, in addition to some great secondary stuff from Favreau. He’s…an asshole, and you love him for it.
And not to forget the man, Ferrigno’s part is actually worth seeing the entire movie for, in my opinion. Let’s just say Segel’s character tries to intimidate the former Hulk star, and it doesn’t turn out too well. If you like the ‘Frat Pack’ movies, you’ll love I Love You, Man. It is pound for pound the funniest movie I’ve seen in a long time. I’d put it up there with recent comedies Role Models and 40 Year Old Virgin. Same type humor, but a bit cleaner.
I saw it at the Alamo, I’d actually pay to see it again in theatres, and I will be looking for it on Blu-Ray in a few months. It’s a buyer. I’m stuck between giving it a 3 and a 3.5 because of how basic and simple the plot was, but I think the simplicity is what made it work so well.