I Love You, Man

Paul Rudd's understated comic genius comes to the fore in this nuanced romantic comedy that's as much about the intricacies of male bonding as it is about the invisible line between male/female relationships. Rudd plays L.A. real estate salesman Peter Klaven who proposes to his cute-as-a-button girlfriend Zooey (Rashida Jones) only to discover that Zooey's gang of girl buddies are suspicious of his long standing lack of male friends. Peter tries diligently to find a buddy to pal around with before his upcoming wedding because, well, he needs a best man. While presenting an open house for television star Lou Ferrigno, Peter meets alpha male slacker Sydney Fife (Jason Segel) and the die is cast. A common musical appreciation for the band Rush sets off a fast friendship that threatens to out-rev Peter's domestic marital plans. Paul Rudd is hilarious--watch him milk laughs out of the phrase, "I slappa da bass." And Jason Segel is on top of his game as an alternately aggressive and passive aggressive So. Cal. dude with spot on people-reading skills. Supporting comic efforts from the likes of Andy Samberg, Jane Curtain, and Jon Favreau redouble the fun. Here's a refreshing comedy that never tries too hard, and consequently leaves a lot of room for laughs to explode.
(Paramount) Rated R. 104 mins. (B) (Three Stars)