Man-Dates are the best

Rating: 9/10 (10 August 2009)

I loved 'I Love You Man'! Finally, a completely open and honest "bromance" comedy shattering stereotypes, phobias and fake people. These are real people in real situations. Yes, there are men out there who seek out other male companionship without the fear of homosexuality entering the conversation. Sure, the movie has some homosexuals and their "flare" but the overall message is acceptance, by not even talking about it. And forget the signature and overly clichéd jealousy and is he/is he not gay story lines. As much as I loved the script, the originality of it, the music, the freedom of the cast, the humor, romance, pacing, and the great cast including Jones, Segel and Lennon (who I barely recognized – from the great 'Reno 911!'), I mostly loved Rudd, giving his best performance yet. Sure, he's been great in a lot of movies, and clearly one of my all time favorites, but here, he truly showed true acting; I truly believed who he was. The plot consists of groom-to-be without-a-best-man who, in order to find that best man must finally connect with another male after a life consisting of only females. He's so into the woman's world, he's lost touch with his masculine side and doesn't know how to act around other males, or how males are supposed to act. Enter in a lot of "butch" talk from Rudd when he befriends Segel. I use this a lot as a joke to my straight-counterparts, but Rudd pulls it off with such sincerity. Sure, the movie's predictable, as you know what's going to happen and when. But Rudd, Segel, Jones and the absolutely hilarious Favreau (in his most unique and original role he's played, much like Rudd) pull out such a hit, you really feel for these characters. An absolute must-see.