I Love You, Man (John Hamburg, 2009): USA

Reviewed by Kevin Tran. Viewed in theater at Santa Barbara, CA.

Although not particularly hilarious, I Love You, Man is one of the more entertaining films out these days, primarily due to the cult-like fans of Judd Apatow (The 40 Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up). Although Apatow is not credited in this film, his trademarks and DNA are all over I Love You, Man.

This includes Paul Rudd, who usually plays minor characters, but here stars in his first lead role. What makes I Love You, Man so interesting is its plot, which is so simple and silly that the synopsis itself will make you laugh – but not necessarily in a good way.

Peter Klaven (Rudd) is a great boyfriend. He is thoughtful, he is considerate, and he genuinely loves his recent fiancé, Zooey (Rashida Jones). Peter soon realizes that weddings not only require a bride and a groom, but also a best man. Which is somewhat a crisis to him, since he has no male friends.

To find the ideal man-friend, he takes time off from his real-estate job to go on a series of man-dates–a scenario which, while humorous, has been seen before in every date movie; typically, thought, it is our female protagonist is looking for the Mr. Perfect. I guess that’s what makes I Love You, Man’s plot interesting: Peter is also looking for a Mr. Perfect.

Having no friends makes Peter almost less of a man. Who is so effeminate is that his gay brother (Andy Samburg) seems manlier, although being a butch gym trainer helps. However, this is quickly remedied in I Love You, Man with the strong support–both in terms of the plot specifically and overall–of Jason Segal’s portrayal of Sydney Fife.

Sydney is so in touch with his masculinity that he feels no shame walking his tiny dog in swim trunks and Ugg boots. He also has a sweet man-sanctuary with a designated masturbation station. Sydney has Peter screaming under piers, eating junk food, and slapping some bass to Rush, a rock band they both adore. Sydney teaches Peter the ways to become a “dude” and to not be wound up so tight. Segal is undoubtedly the best part of the film. If not him, the character John Hamburg and co-writer Larry Levin wrote together.

The film is funny, but not very memorable. It misses its mark on the “gross factor,” an edge Apatow and fellow laugh-penman, Kevin Smith (Clerks, Zack and Miri Make a Porno) have over a filmmaker like Hamburg. Hamburg does absolutely nothing with the camera and creates an cinematic environment that gives almost too much freedom to his actors, who seems to be improvising at all the wrong times, like when Peter is trying to come up with a cool nickname for Sydney, which he does repeatedly throughout the film.

I Love You, Man is entertaining and puts some interesting spins on gender stereotypes, but it is something that could be enjoyed on a smaller screen at home.

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You’re currently reading “I Love You, Man (John Hamburg, 2009): USA,” an entry on Student Film Reviews

Published:: 04.02.09 / 8am

Category:: Films

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Film Review Club: Reviews of current film releases, streaming films, and revivals by student members of the SBCC Film Review Club.

Prof. Nico Maestu: Faculty Advisor ([email protected])

Film Festival Course: FS108: Film Festival Studies: Santa Barbara International Film Festival and AFI Fest: Hollywood (2 or 1.5 units). Field course at film festivals to study U.S. and international fiction, experimental and documentary films.

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Natalie Schulz 04.07.09 / 2pm

While I agree about missing that “something” that makes a comedy just that, I disagree about waiting for it to come out on DVD. It was definitely worth my evening to the movies. I caught myself laughing out loud many times, and was sometimes uncontainable, along with the rest of the theater.
Paul Rudd as Peter Klaven is at times too painfully awkward to watch. However, he altogether redeems himself through his complete portrayal of Peter Klaven. While the writing may miss the mark at times, Rudd’s portrayal of this character is what makes the character funny at all. Classic Rudd, just as we have seen glimpses of in minor characters in other films, he gives the character his own flare.
Comically, Jason Segal as Sydney Fife, was intended to be the more obvious clown with his little dog, man pad, and lack of hygiene. As Sydney shows Rudd the ropes, we realize that a real friendship grows, which brings a refreshing reality to this film. This is obviously not Segal’s first comedy; however, he does bring a new side we have not seen before. The character he plays is not the “ultimate” man, but more of an example of the men we know in real life. He loves music, food, dogs, hanging out, etc. Segal paired with Rudd is never a movie to pass on.

Julia Turpit 04.08.09 / 5pm

I agree that yes, there are more funny movies out there with more original themes. However, I don’t think this movie needs to come out on DVD before it is seen. I saw the film when it came out because I thought it would give me a good laugh. And it did! The film incorporates both masculine and feminine stereotypes, while leaving the audience laughing. I thought that the actors did a very good job playing off of one another. While some of the humor is kind of disturbing, the plot really caught my attention. I couldn’t stop thinking about the idea that guys don’t have guy friends. I have never really known a man who didn’t have his buddies. I thought it was creative how for once the guy was the clingy one in the relationship. In the end, I think the movie is there if you are interested in a good laugh!

Krystle Bloom 04.14.09 / 10am

I completely disagree with this review, I thought I Love You, Man was absolutely hilarious. I do not think a movie has to have a gross factor at all. I think the fact that it didn’t really have to have any disgusting humor in it made it more comical. Also, I thought the nick names that Peter came up with for Sydney were amusing, and did not seem to be improvised at all the wrong times. The movie definitely doesn’t need to be on DVD for anyone to see it, it was great. I do not feel I wasted my money seeing it in theatres, and I probably will go and buy it when it comes out on DVD!

Mia Sharrigan 04.14.09 / 5pm

I agree that I Love You, Man was maybe not the most memorable of all of the Judd Apatow movies, but I think Paul Rudd did a good job of holding down this movie as the lead. Yes, without Jason Segal it probably wouldn’t have been as good, but I appreciate good improv when I see it. I think that with a cast like this, they didn’t need to have gross humor every five minutes in order for it to be funny. The only real complaint I have with the movie is how awkward it was for pretty much the whole first half. There were situations that actually made me cringe because it got to the point where it was just hard to watch. Overall, I would see this movie again. I may be biased because I happen to really like Paul Rudd, but I think the movie is worth seeing, just maybe wait and rent it instead.

Stacey Duncan 04.28.09 / 8pm

I agree with the review completely; I believe that the movie makes its audience laugh, but only because of the somewhat awkward encounters that the main character is put in. I think the fact that the film somewhat challenges gender stereotypes make the film more interesting. The fact that Peter’s brother is gay and appears to be more manlier than he is, along with Peter’s lack of male friends gives this movie its flare. Peter has to search for a best man for his wedding day and seems to have trouble with it; his sexuality seems to be questionable throughout the movie. I think that this is most definetely a movie to rent instead of seeing in theaters.

Vee Rice 05.05.09 / 6pm

I have seen movies much more funny than this, but this has still been one of my best laughs in a while. Some scenes are just SO painful to watch–in that way that you know what’s coming, but still just don’t want to see the character(s) go through that agony. Poor Peter is such an awkward guy, but I had such a great time seeing this. Maybe that’s because one of my own personal best (guy) friends pretty much IS Peter. It was like replacing my friend with an even more awkward man. The film wasn’t very adventurous or particularly spectacular, but for me at least it was definitely worth a watch, and I really enjoyed LAUGHING out loud in the theatre.

Braeden Hurley 05.15.09 / 12pm

I don’t know about this movie not being considered hilarious. I was busting a gut while watcing this movie in the theatres. I’ve been waiting a good 2 years for a movie this funny to come out. The last few movies I saw such as Yes Man, and Welcome Home Rosco Jenkins really just didnt cut it for me. This movie has many distinct funny characters and a good story of finding your masculinity in it. I would highly suggest seeing this movie because I am not easily entertained, especially with comedy and this had me almost falling out of my chair

Chris Poptsis 05.17.09 / 9pm

In my opinion I thought the movie “I Love You, Man” was absolutely hilarious. I’m completely aware that there are much better movies out there but I particularly found this movie to be a classic. Most people that I have talked to about the movie found it to be awkward and it didn’t seem to entertain them. I saw it with my sis and we were laughing in hysterics the entire time. If you didn’t like the movie, lighten up and get a sense of humor quick. Paul Rudd and Jason Segel together equals pure comedy. I went to see the movie as soon as it came out looking for a good laugh… and I think I got my moneys worth.

Griffin Goldbarg 06.30.09 / 7pm

I agree with this review/reviewer, the film was funny and entertaining but not very memorable. I also agree that the plot is somewhat silly (and unrealistic), but this just reinforces it as a funnier-than-average light comedy. But then again I think this was the goal of the people behind the film — to produce a humorous movie to kick off the spring season, not create an Oscar winner. As we have learned in our FS 107 class, the timing of release is very important, and is often correlated to the type of film being release. This review sums up the film well, and I agree that this one is better fit for the small screen at home once it comes out on DVD.

Jeff Jay 07.04.09 / 1pm

When i watch a movie i need to relate or build a retaionship with the main characters. In the movie “I Love You Man” the characters, in my opinion as a heterosexual man, are hard to relate with. The main character has no friends and begins to search- even date- men in an attempt to find a best man for his wedding. The movie is filled with many comical scenes, including a male on male kissing, that mainly serve to humiliate the main character. Akward is the best word i can use to describe this movie. I was impressed and disapointed that the akwardness on screen was able to rub off on me. All and all the movie was funny at times, mostly the scenes including the more manly charcters, but over all was akward and not memorible.

Ali Boulger 07.12.09 / 5pm

I agree that this movie may have not been as memorable as some other comedies such as The Hangover. However, I thought this movie was worth seeing in theaters and I found that I enjoyed myself. I would disagree with the fact that it wasn’t a good idea to give the characters the freedom to improvise. I think when funny actors have the opportunity to improvise, it makes the film even more funny. They are able to get creative and say anything that comes off the top of their heads. Something I did feel throughout the film was feeling awkward during certain scenes. Paul Rudd’s character was so socially awkward that it almost made me feel awkward as well. I think this movie is worth the watch, but definitely not one of my favorite comedies.

Alex Prince 07.17.09 / 11pm

I completely disagree with the reviewer. Although I do agree with some minor points that he makes I truly enjoyed watching this film and felt that it was very entertaining overall. The story itself is something very unique and new to anything i’ve seen. The characters are all very different and the actors who play them bring out real depth, at least the amount of depth a comedic character requires. Yes there is no special cinematography present in the film to make it extraordinary but I do not feel that it is what the audience is really looking for. Judd Apatow is really an influence in the style of the movie and I think its what the audience is looking for when going to see I Love You, Man.

PJ Perez 07.21.09 / 11am

I thought this movie was overall hilarious, and covered bits of comedy that happens in real life. i like how it also showed the the way people get split up with their friends and girl friends. the comedy in this is way more thought out rather than having one liners or set up disasters. they focused on the insecurity and the confusion of pete not really getting friendships. thats what i think made this movie, is Paul Rudd’s and Jason Segal’s style he put into their characters. they both have that strange assertive matter that sometimes it takes a second to realize the joke.

Cynthia Pinedo 08.26.09 / 1pm

I agree with the reviewer; I Love You, Man was funny, but not that funny. Don’t get me wrong though, I laughed quite a bit. I love Paul Rudd as much as everyone else, but Paul Segal really stole the show in this film–in a good way. Rudd’s character just seemed so clingy and annoying; he got on my nerves pretty badly. Segal’s character seemed like someone I wanted to hangout with; someone very carefree, and just living their life to the fullest. I liked that his character started to rub off on Rudd’s, and he became more relaxed and started finding the person he truly was. I agree with another commenter above who said that this plot was something fresh that they had never seen before. I liked that some of the situations seemed like they could be relatable to viewers in real life, and now I’m on the search to Venice to find these delicious fish tacos.

Nick Snyder 09.23.09 / 7pm

I Love You, Man was an excellent movie and very funny. Paul Rudd’s character, Peter Klavin is about to start a new life with his new fiancé, but suddenly realizes that he doesn’t have a good enough friend who is worthy of being a best man for his wedding. And so the quest of friends begins, but it seems that every time he attempts to make a friend it turns out being a disaster. Jason Segel plays Sydney Fife, a middle-aged man who acts like a child and has a very direct and honest view of life in the social sense. He says what everyone thinks, but what no one actually stands up and says. He brings out the fun side of Rudd’s character and they make movie magic together. The only downfall with this movie for me was that Paul Rudd’s character is so horribly awkward that the movie is hard to watch sometimes, but it is still a movie that I continually rely on for a good laugh.

Jordan Smith 10.11.09 / 8pm

I disagree with the reviewer. I might go as far as saying that this is the funniest movie I have ever seen. The plot is so simple but so perfect. It is a set up for every awkward encounter that any viewer can relate to. And that is exactly why I find this film gut wrenching, because it is so realistic. I typically don’t have much to say for comedies because most of them are, for a lack of a better term, stupid. However, I Love You, Man was in my opinion, genius. I thought it was refreshing, like a new genre of comedy. Awkward as funny. Paul Rudd did a fantastic job as the most awkward character ever. I related to certain moments, like when Peter calls Sydney for the first time and leaves him a message. I know I have left similar messages for people at some point in time. Thank god for a little technological advance called delete and re-record.

Danielle Oriza 10.16.09 / 4pm

I think I love you man was a very funny movie. Although I do agree that this is a movie that should be rented instead of spending money for it at the theatre. I liked I love you man because it was different from the other comedies. I thought it was funny it was all about finding a man friend. It was so funny listening to the nick names that were given and how nervous he was calling his new friend. It was a unique film that was light and funny.

Wallace Gabby 10.16.09 / 9pm

I Love You, Man has to be one of the funniest movies i have ever seen. I must say that i am not a big comedy film person but after seeing this film it opened my mind to many more comedy films. The acting in this film is absolutely great and every character is unique to their part. Each character helps make the film and without the two main men, the film would not be the same. I think what makes this movie is the acting and the dialogue, just how funny everything is. The way of filming its self is also very appealing as well. I don’t think this movie gets enough credit and i would definitely see spend my movie in the theatre to see it before it came out on DVD. I actually went to this movie twice while it was still in theatre.

Aubrey Catanese 11.23.09 / 6pm

I must say, though the majority of my friends and others that I have talked to enjoyed this film, I was very let down by it. The film was talked up to me by friends for so long, that when I finally viewed the film it fell far below my expectations; the majority of the jokes that were cracked weren’t particularly funny, while the characters were good actors they weren’t particularly captivating, and in my opinion, the multiple man dates weren’t funny, but rather awkward instead. To be honest, I bought the film on On Demand for $4.99, but that did not even stop me from stopping the film before it ended and switching to something else. Sorry to disagree guys, I just didn’t find it all that amusing :[

Allie Kranyak 03.08.10 / 12pm

Like many others, I think that this movie did a good job at making the audience laugh out loud. The two main characters definitely made the movie as funny as it was, and with out them, it would not be the same. I do not agree that this movie would be better if it was rented as opposed to actually going in to a theater to watch. When you go to a theater, you get a better feel for the comedy being used, and can relate to most of the audience as well. As for the plot, it is very simple, but very original and some may relate to it. Overall, I had a good experience watching this movie and think that many would agree that it was worthwhile.

Rea Seavey 03.23.10 / 1pm

Great review, a lot of people today are quick to dismiss the Apatow genre films that seem to dominate the comedy genre. I couldn’t agree more with simplicity factor of the film. The idea of a heterosexual man looking for a life partner in a strictly platonic way is a fresh outlook for a date movie, which I feel this movie is. You could see it with friends or a significant other and still laugh at all the awkwardness in the film. The best character in the film, in my opinion is John Favreau’s. He is your typical man’s man. Johns character is what help shows that Segle’s character is more identifiable with that of Rudd’s. I do how ever feel that the attempts of Rudd’s character to create a nic-name for Segel’s is the best improve in the movie.

Lacey Rothman 04.08.10 / 12pm

I Love You, Man was a funny film. It wasn’t hilarious but it is entertaining and you never get bored. The story line itself is what makes it so funny. The plot isn’t a typical situation, because the main character is looking for a man friend for his wedding. The actors have been in these type of movies that follow this type of humor. I would watch it again if I was with a bunch of my friends sitting in my living room, but it is not a movie that I would choose to pay for in the movie theaters twice or sit down and watch by myself again. It’s entertaining, but I agree with the writer of this blog. The movie is best on DVD at home.

Shelby Schmitt 04.09.10 / 5pm

I loved this film a lot. The comedy was so real and entertaining i loved it. The plot of the film was so perfect and so realistic, many men are all about their girlfriends and loose touch with having friends and i loved how they put this idea to life. It is really important to have your lover, and a best friend in your life and the main character got to have this in the end. He went through many adventures to meet a best friend, including getting kissed by a male and throwing up all over a potential pal. Nothing stopped him from getting that best friend, and did anything to impress the friend. Even though he got too caught up with the friend and almost lost the friend and his fiancee, which was the conflict, in the end everything worked out perfect. I found this film to be very hilarious and entertaining.

Kevin Johnson 10.17.10 / 10am

I Love You, Man is the funniest socially awkward movie I’ve ever seen. The whole concept of the movie seems a little strange, trying to find guy friends. What makes this move is how awkward the lead character is played by Paul Rudd. Also the supporting cast makes the move for me. Jon Favreau, Thomas Lennon, Ron Huebel, J.K. Simmons, Joe Lo Truglio, Andy Samberg and Jamie Pressly complete an impress cast and makes you laugh out loud during the duration of the film. I really like the awkward pauses and the realistic dialogue in the movie, that’s what made it so funny.

joshnathan 11.12.14 / 5pm

This movie is the classic story about a man who has discovered there is such a thing as loving your wife too much. Paul Rudd’s character is getting married and discovers he doesn’t have anybody to choose as his best man. I have to disagree with the opening sentence because I thought this movie was hilarious. It may be my admiration for Jason Segal as he plays an excellent part as Sydney, the goofy dude that quite frankly does not care what others think of him. The combonation of comedic actors makes this film a good laugh to watch with a happy ending when the two men come back together in the end.

lbjohnson2 03.20.15 / 11am

I disagree with this review as well. I think I Love You Man was hilarious. There would have been no need to wait for this film to come out on DVD. This movie came out about seven years ago and I still find it hilarious. I think what makes this movie special are the clever punchlines and timeless catch phrases I still hear people saying today, “totes magotes” ring a bell? Paul Rudd and Jason Segal are both amazing actors and create and amazing onscreen duo together.

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