
Webinar. Vaycay. Momversation. These are all slang terms that should be eliminated from the English language (click here for more terms). Bromance, along with the phrase, “bromantic comedy” was about to be added to my own personal list until I saw the bro-found film of brotherhood, I Love You, Man.
In the movie, we are introduced to Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd), a real estate guy in Los Angeles who just got engaged to his girlfriend, Zooey (Rashida Jones). Upon said engagement, Peter comes to a realization that he has surrounded himself with gal pals. This and his love for The Devil Wears Prada hasn't exactly drawn many guy friends into his orbit besides a couple of Frat boy-like acquaintances who might as well be strangers and his gay brother, Robbie (Andy Samberg) – who happens to be more of a dude than Peter.
From there, Peter goes on a match.com hunt for the perfect guy friend to fill the shoes of his best man. He has “man dates” with several guys including a soccer fanatic who sounds like Elmo and an overzealous guy that shoves his tongue down Peter’s throat after a nice dinner and conversation. And in a really desperate attempt to make guy friends, Peter goes to a poker party with Zooey’s friend’s jerk of a husband, Barry (Jon Favreau) - and even that doesn’t end to well. Let’s just say something of the projectile variety splatters all over the poker table.
Just when he’s about to give up, he meets a guy by the name of Sydney Fife (Jason Segel). While dressed in a horrendous mismatching sweater and shirt combination, Sydney is poaching the free paninis at Peter’s open house for Lou Ferrigno (yes, that Lou Ferrigno). Peter approaches him and they immediately bond over the schematics of discreetly farting in public.
From there, their friendship flourishes, flounders and then (spoiler alert) flourishes again.
When going into a movie that is loosely associated with the whole Judd Apatow fraternity, there are certain expectations to be met. I Love You, Man met those expectations and they rose just a tad bit over the LOL line – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
The movie spreads the comedy throughout the film evenly, providing enjoyable awkward moments that include Peter’s inability to make up decent catchphrases and Sydney’s boardwalk outfit of Ugg boots and board shorts.
All the while, we are told this wonderful bromantic story, that illustrates the importance for guys to have a solid circle of bros in their lives. It also illustrates the significance of having someone like Lou Ferigno in our lives…oh yeah, and Rashida Jones is just hot.
In addition to getting a hearty laugh out of this bromantic comedy, people will be leaving the theater with quotes like “Slappin’ mah bass” echoing in their heads. It’s not just a one of those comedy films that bombards with gut-busting bit after gut-busting bit. It’s not only a movie of bro-lific proportions, but it will also encourage women all around the world to “return the favor” to their boyfriends. What favor is that you ask? If you haven't figured it out by now, then you probably need to get a dirtier mind - or watch the movie. Whatever works for you.
I Love You, Man is in San Francisco theaters today.