East Carolinian

Issue date: 3/26/09 Section: Features

Media Credit: staff photo

"Bromance" is a term steadily making its way into pop culture. "I Love You, Man" is a journey through said topic, capturing its perks and much dreaded awkwardness.

Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd,"Role Models") has a lot going for him - a successful real estate job, and a beautiful new fiancée, Zooey (Rashida Jones, "The Office"); the only thing missing is a best man for his upcoming wedding.

After overhearing an enlightening conversation between Zooey and her gal pals, Peter decides to fix his friendless situation and takes a chance on meeting a guy that he can call a best man.

He enlists the help of his brother (Andy Samberg, "Hot Rod"), a fitness trainer and walking how-to guide about man dates, to fix him up with some potential friend candidates.

Peter embarks on several uneasy and comical man dates, involving embarrassing projectile vomiting and a highly uncomfortable after dinner kiss.

It isn't until Peter holds an open house for Lou Ferrigno's expensive property that he meets Sydney Fife (Jason Segel, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall"), a professional Venice Beach slacker, who is avoiding adulthood in his decked out sanctuary, known as the "man-cave."

Peter is new to male friend territory and tends to get himself tangled in socially awkward conversations and catch phrases.

Sydney coolly shrugs off Peter's trademark misfires and begins to induct him into the ways of brotherhood.

Apparently, brotherhood involves sharing private conversations, bonding over beer and fish tacos and jamming to Rush cover tracks.

This film tastefully tackles the anxieties behind forming a "bromance" and provides the audience with two intriguing leads, both genuine and flawed in their own ways.

Rudd and Segel are a tag-team duo. They accent each other quite comically, as do their characters.

Rudd is convincing as timid -- but anxious -- Peter and Segel charms viewers as Sydney while providing a quirky voice for Peter's inner lack of confidence.

"I Love You, Man" is smart with its comedic timing and subtle deliverance of the expected "friendship lesson."

Cheers to a refreshing, likeable comedy.



This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.

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