I Love You Man

When did Paul Rudd spin-off into his own little world of adult-oriented comedy? Sure, he’s been the random third and fourth wheel in the past, the Panther cologne guy in Anchorman, the lovesick dumbass in 40 Year Old Virgin, even the random surf instructor in Forgetting Sarah Marshall. But a strange thing happened last summer when he teamed up with Stifler in Role Models: he was somewhat likeable in an adult-themed comedy. Even more, this wasn’t the ever pervasive Apatow-inspired comedy, it had its own distinct 70s-rock inspired, vulgar but more conventional humor that some would argue doesn’t actually exist in Apatow-inspired stuff. Quick hit: it looks like lightning struck in the same place again, putting Paul Rudd into semi-bankable category.

I Love You Man centers around fully grown adults. Not necessarily mature, not necessarily fully self-realized, but these are characters who exist in a world similar to yours and mine. Again, this isn’t the randomness of Anchorman or the idiot cops from Superbad. Instead, you have a decent guy in Paul Rudd who’s working hard as a realtor and has just proposed to Rashida Jones, she of The Office fame. Basic and relatable, who knew that could be such a good formula?

The one problem: Rudd has never had many guy friends. Spent much of his high school and college years working the chick population, which again, you probably know someone like that. The basic quandary is that Rudd needs some men to fill out his wedding party, especially his best man. The more textured problem, which is actually presented and where Rudd is operating from, is that his fiancé’s friends think he’s weird and question his masculinity because of this.
Cut to Rudd going on man-dates. Simple fun, doesn’t last too long, but offers some chuckles.

Then enter Jason Segal, he of Forgetting Sarah Marshall fame. Segal seems to be the perfect guy, and strangely enough, is open to hanging out with a bumbling Rudd. Segal is like the Maxim-version of Yoda, he speaks wisely of women, relationships, sex, and rock-n-roll. Together, Segal and Rudd develop a close friendship, which leads to some fully predictable problems.

However, just cause they’re predictable doesn’t mean the situations aren’t funny. Afterall, whenever you get Lou Ferigno whooping ass, that’s a good thing. And like the entire movie, these issues are dealt with a level of realism that is almost what you might see in your own office. If you’re seeing it in your own life, then you watch too much of The Hills and you believe life and drama are one-in-the-same, not good.

Overall, I Love You Man was a thoroughly enjoyable movie. Whereas Role Models was a bit more sophomoric and vulgar, I Love You Man focuses on the simple problems that arise when you have a fiancé and a man-friend. It’s tough, but the wisdom of Jason Segal will pull you through. Out of 20 cheesy realtor billboards, I Love You Man is plastered on 15 signs. It’s a good, fun flick.