Jason Segel looks more Jack Black than Axl Rose

Cast: Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones, Jaime Pressley
Director: John Hamburg
Screenwriters: John Hamburg, Larry Levin

Considering the term bromance has been in use just under 18 months – it’s taken alarmingly little time for the so-called ‘genre’ to start parodying itself. I Love You, Man traces Paul Rudd’s obligatory Nice Guy, Peter Klaven about to marry his girlfriend Zooey Rice – The American Office’s Rashida Jones (sporting a notable new fringe). After overhearing her discuss his lack of any confidante and then concede ‘I think his best friend is his mom’ amongst her gaggle of gal pals – Pete sets upon rectifying the situation. After auditioning a series of potential best buddies – Pete eventually settles upon Sydney Fife (Segel allegedly channelling Russell Brand for the role. Assumedly without any of the wit, pizzazz or general charisma) through a shared love of prog rock band Rush and fart jokes. I Love You, Man basically details what is a fluctuant courtship between the pair – replete with rocky start, brief ‘break-up’, finally culminating in a dramatically interrupted wedding.

Paul Rudd’s status as leading man is somewhat questionable – but he pulls it off with a decided lack of self-consciousness. Just. The film is amplified hugely by its peripheral characters and supporting cast – elevating it up and out of the puerile and boorish echelons of Role Models and Knocked Up – something which it is resolutely not. Andy Samberg merrily goes about his usual Andy Samberg turn as Pete’s brother. Happily, he’s not been around long enough for this to become wearisome. Jaime Pressly and John Favreau bicker brilliantly as Zooey’s impetuous best friend and impassive yet strangely dominating husband.

Methodically ticking off virtually every Brom-Com cliche in the book – it is never entirely clear whether I Love You, Man‘s snarky pastiche is intentional or not. Unfairly lumped in with the disposable likes of Role Models and Knocked Up - it has something a little more knowing, a little more astute – hinting towards longevity. I Love You, Man is seemingly aware of the inanity of its ilk – spoofing, yet making no apologies for it. Affectionate teasing as opposed to a sneery jibe.

I Love You, Man is sadly let down however, when this self-awareness slips. What is fundamentally a whimsical and charming, if slightly onerous, buddy movie is let down by clawing attempts to appear slackerish, to appear cool. Jason Segel flippantly informing us “yeah, that hot girl? I fucked her” comes across as contrived and annoying – an unnecessary denigration of an otherwise sweetly endearing and oddly engaging little affair. Excusing the fart jokes, of course.

I Love You, Man is out now via Paramount Home Entertainment