Plainly stated...it's just funny...and that's good with me

Rating: 8/10 (19 May 2009)

The Judd Apatow/Will Ferrell comedy troupe have niched their own genre in Hollywood. The bad thing is if you don't like any of their troupe you'll have trouble watching any of their films because they have a habit of constantly showing up in each others films but the good news is you can practically expect exactly what the film will provide and it is almost always entertaining in a simple silly fun way. I Love You, Man is exactly that. It won't wow you, it has no deep important, thoughtful message, it funny and silly and gross and the characters are funny and lovable. The movie isn't without its flaws but it will make you laugh and laugh and is just really a good time and there is nothing wrong with that whatsoever. The movie has plenty of slapstick one liners, some great physical comedy and some hilarious cameos that really up the ante of this film.
Paul Rudd has truly come a long way in his comedic career. He has a really great subtle style and can pull off some great comedy both physical and verbal style. I Love You, Man is the perfect outlet and vehicle for him to shine away from the Apatow/Ferrell troupe. He is terrific and likable and a sweet guy who becomes unhinged from his stuffy ways which makes for really great laughs! Rudd will become a great star beyond that of his team. Jason Segel plays Rudd's new best friend and polar opposite. He's carefree, crazy and a little wild and Rudd finds something in him to connect with. Segel is decent, he's getting to a place where he can actually perform a decent character and not just be silly and stupid but this role only helps him a little because he still has that style. Segel and Rudd have decent chemistry although a little more would be nice. Rudd definitely outshines Segel but they are good together. The supporting cast are really terrific both bigger and smaller roles. Jon Favreau and Jaime Pressly are hilarious as an at odds married couple. They really are great opposite each other and probably have the best chemistry in the film. Jane Curtin, J.K. Simmons, and Andy Samberg are terrific in small cameos as Rudd's family. Rashida Jones is okay as Rudd's fiancé, compared to everyone else in the film she comes across as very bland. Finally you can't forget the terrific, hilarious cameo by Lou Ferrigno. The cast work well together, some of them come together better than others but they still provide a solid cast and loads of laughs.
A good comedy is a gem to find because it can make you laugh, and if it's really worthwhile you'll watch it again and again. There is absolutely no doubt that I Love You, Man has some truly classic moments. John Hamburg hasn't exactly had some really big director gigs but even so he seems to handle this mainstream decently budgeted comedy with ease and tells a good solid story. I Love You, Man is the perfect time waster and I mean that very positively. It will make you laugh to tears at times and while it won't change your life but it will make you glad you watched it. 8/10