A serious relationship between heterosexual guys is apparently called a “bromance,” a term I would never use, but which nevertheless feels appropriate for “I Love You, Man.”
The simple premise of this comedy is that a successful Los Angeles real estate agent who, upon getting engaged to the woman of his dreams, discovers to his dismay that he has no male friend close enough to serve as his best man.
But just as a fling with a member of the opposite sex could destroy an impending marriage, the possibility of too much male bonding poses risks which are explored comically in this film from writer and director John Hamburg (“Along Came Polly”).
Paul Rudd, who has played as close to a straight man as possible in a series of comedies, is the hopelessly clueless metrosexual Peter Klaven, who is described as a “girlfriend guy” because he relates well to women. The girl of his dreams is Zooey (Rashida Jones), perky, smart and beautiful.
They appear to be an unlikely match. Peter has few interests outside of his work. Zooey is surrounded by close friends.
After proposing to Zooey, Peter realizes that he has no close friends with whom to share the good news. Peter is not even that close to his own father (J.K. Simmons) and his younger brother Robbie (Andy Samberg). Then, Peter learns that his lack of male friendship worries his future bride.
Maybe the reason Peter doesn’t have any close friends is that he’s just too predictable, sincere and plain boring. To rectify the situation, he turns to his cool brother Robbie, a personal trainer who is gay and seems to know a thing or two about guys.
With Robbie’s help, Peter embarks on a series of arranged “man-dates” which turn out to be predictably disastrous, as we’ve seen a number of times in romantic comedies. These so-called dates are funny, even when things are a bit uncomfortable and unsettling. In life as well as in comedy, you never seem to meet the right person when trying too hard.
Finally, while Peter is hosting an open house for the Hollywood Hills mansion owned by Lou Ferrigno, there’s an accidental encounter with Sydney Fife (Jason Segel), a rather slovenly character who seems to be enjoying the assortment of finger sandwiches. A charismatic confirmed bachelor, Sydney cruises open houses to enjoy the hospitality and to meet lonely divorcees. Peter is intrigued with Sydney’s carefree attitude, and the two men embark on a friendship that teaches Peter something he’s never experienced, the true meaning of male bonding.
But Peter’s attempts at bonding are often awkward and painful to watch. He’s not accustomed to bantering with buddies, and he’ll come up with the most ridiculous and inept nicknames for his newfound friend. Basically, Peter’s a dork ill at ease with other males, which is obvious at work when he can’t deal with another aggressive male broker or when he clumsily tries to fit in at poker night with Barry (Jon Favreau), the husband of one of Zooey’s girlfriends who happens to be hilariously disagreeable.
Even though Peter seems at first discomforted in forging his ties with Sydney, he nevertheless finds the type of bond that has eluded him before.
Sydney is the polar opposite of Peter. Apparently making money in investments, Sydney lives a bohemian lifestyle in a cottage near the Venice Beach boardwalk. He’s turned his garage into a man cave, which is fully equipped with a flatscreen TV, wet bar and musical equipment for jam sessions. Peter and Sydney also discover a mutual passion for the rock trio Rush. The two spend a lot of time playing music together, with Peter ditching work more frequently.
Naturally, as the relationship between Peter and Sydney flowers into one of serious male bonding, Zooey feels threatened as the level of fraternal immaturity continues to rise. Her discomfort is particularly acute at the engagement party when Sydney makes a toast that embarrassingly reveals details of sexual intimacy.
“I Love You, Man” is often silly and just plain funny, especially when Paul Rudd makes his character so desperate to fit in. There’s plenty of the obligatory dumb physical humor, but the truly funny stuff comes from observant dialog and self-conscious behavior.
DVD RELEASE UPDATE
This is a good time for James Bond fans. First, “Quantum of Solace” is being released in a two-disc special edition DVD with several behind-the-scenes featurettes.
In a matter of just two films, Daniel Craig has firmly established himself as the James Bond for a new generation, and yet he brings toughness to the role that recalls the original James Bond, none other than Sean Connery.
“Quantum of Solace” starts where “Casino Royale” ended, with James Bond pursuing those responsible for the death of his flame Vesper Lynd.
Forced to work without the help of MI6, Bond partners with Camille (Olga Kurylenko), a pretty young woman on her own quest for justice, and together they travel the globe seeking retribution.
Also being released is “Never Say Never Again Collector’s Edition.” This is the last Bond film made by Sean Connery, even though it was outside the orbit of the official Bond films.
To sure, this film was released on DVD long ago, but this version contains some new features, including commentary from the noted Bond historian Steven Ray Rubin. The Bond aficionado will certain desire both of these DVDs.
Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.
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