A beautiful bromance

The recent batch of critically acclaimed comedies with heart during the past few years have all been lauded for their mix of love and laughs.

But one subject many of them have touched on has seemingly gone unnoticed: the relationship between guys in the 21st century.

In the midst of phrases like “bromance” and homosexual implications for close guy friends, films like “Superbad,” “Pineapple Express,” “Role Models” and even “Knocked Up” have showed us what it means to have a best friend today.

And the newest attempt, “I Love You, Man,” shines the spotlight on the platonic male relationship in a completely real and honest way.

The film follows Kevin (Paul Rudd), who, after an engagement to Zooey (Rashida Jones), realizes he doesn’t have, nor has ever had, a good male friend.
On a mission to find one to be his best man, Kevin meets the oddball Sydney (Jason Segel) and the two become fast friends.

Though filled with consistent laughs throughout, “Man” truly depicts the struggles that men have trying to juggle their male friendships when life gets in the way.

Sure, the over-the-top lengths Kevin goes through to “meet” a guy are a bit unrealistic, but once he and Sydney interact, the beats are
pitch-perfect.

But do not fear. The film is not all man hugs and awkward glances, as the jokes come often. Segel shines more here than in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” as the off-the-rails No. 2 instead of the emotional core.

The supporting cast is beyond phenomenonal, as Andy Samberg, Jon Favreau, Rob Huebel and Thomas Lennon are all hilarious throughout.

Poignant without being heavy-handed, and wonderfully funny, “I Love You, Man” is the first must-see comedy of 2009 and fits perfectly alongside recent films of similar ilk.