I Love You, Man

Review: Dave Kozicki

Brother lovers, bromantics and those who live by the Bro-code rejoice, as I Love You, Man takes you on a journey through the love that not be named and goes beyond mateship, in the totally hetero, non-gay way… the unspoken love and bond between two males.

When real estate agent Peter Klaven (Rudd) proposes to his long-time girlfriend, their impending nuptials leads to a startling realisation. He has no close male friends. Sure, he has a few sports buds and acquaintances, but no real bro to call his own. After some hilarious and painful “man-dates” at the behest of his family and fiancé, a chance meeting at an open house (owned by Lou Ferrigno no less) leads to a bourgeoning friendship with crasher Sydney Fife (Segel), unleashing the dormant untapped manliness residing deep within Peter’s metro-sexuality.

Conflict arises when his frequent visits to Sydney’s “man-cave” (home to all things inherently male, like Rush albums, rock out sessions, excessive amounts of weed and alcohol and the extremely disturbing jerk-chair) puts pressure on his relationship, leading to an inevitable showdown. Is it a simple matter of bros before hoes, or something that delves a little deeper?

For Apatow alumni Rudd and Segel, this is a walk in the park, with both barely taken outside their comfort zones, but the chemistry is undeniable, and it’s a treat to see Rudd elevated to headliner status after years waiting in the wings. The support is deep, and all play their parts to perfection, whether it’s SNL’s Andy Samberg as Peter’s gay brother, J.K. Simmons and Jane Curtain as concerned parents, Jon Favreau playing against type as the most insensitive douche-bag to grace the silver screen, or “The Incredible Hulk” Lou Ferrigno stretching his funny bone in a short, yet rib-tickling role.

Though formulaic and predictable, the combination of awkward moments (many that put Swingers to shame), pure wrongness, the generous dose of heart and stellar ensemble cast makes this a winner in our book. Grab your best mate and unashamedly embrace platonic man love.