Movie Review – I Love You, Man

Last night, I watched the movie “I Love You, Man.” It wasn’t “Knocked-Up” good, but I wasn’t expecting it to be and it definitely had it’s fair share of amusing moments. Since I didn’t go in with any great expectations, I was allowed to just enjoy the amusing aspects of the film–which was glorious and something I need to do more often!

After eight months of dating, real-estate-agent Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd) has asked his girlfriend Zooey (Rashida Jones) to marry him. Zooey excitedly calls all of her friends with the fabulous news, and then hands the phone to Peter so he can do the same. It’s at this point they realize the awful truth, Peter has no close friends, only casual acquaintances.

It’s not that there’s anything wrong with Peter, he’s just always been better friends with girls than guys.

Feeling awkward about having an unbalanced bridal party, Peter embarks on a journey to get himself some besties.

After many a miserable man-date, Peter unexpectedly meets Sydney Fife (Jason Segel) at an open house and they instantly click. They quickly become inseparable, which begins to bother the previously, supportive Zooey.

In the end, they realize that all relationships are special and should be given the appropriate attention. It was deep, man.

If I had seen this movie in the theaters, I wouldn’t have liked it that much. Since it was an inexpensive rental, I enjoyed it. It was funny and I learned some things.

Not about relationships, more like Jason Segel can be really creepy and Paul Rudd is capable of being annoying. Both eye-openers, since I didn’t think either was possible.

I’ve always been in awe of how Paul Rudd can be in so many movies and never be annoying–he’s always good. In this movie, his character is kind of dorky and self-conscious, and it somehow carried over to Paul. I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to look at him the same way again.

Then there were the moments where, if Jason Segel’s character just strangled someone out-of-the-blue, I wouldn’t have been surprised. They were just fleeting moments, and the rest of the time he reverted to his usual, puppy-dog persona. Jason Segel is a big guy and if he just lost it, he could wreak some havoc. That thought will always stay in the back of my mind, even when he’s Marshal-mallow on “How I Met Your Mother.”

You might think this would ruin the movie, but you’d be wrong. Wanna know why? My brilliant, boo-boo, baby J.K. Simmons was there with his special brand of awesome. He has so many levels as an actor, it’s scary. I can’t think of one other actor who could have portrayed Oswald Klaven with such panache.

Bottom line: Enjoyable rental with some very funny moments. One in particular between Paul Rudd and Jon Favreau doing boat races, is hilarious. Gag reel is a must.