Amazon Holiday

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

I Love You, Man

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: After getting engaged, a mature, grown up man (Paul Rudd) realizes that he has no close friends to call, "Best Man." So he seeks out his perfect mate by going on "man dates," and soon finds himself deeply entrenched in a Bromance with a guy who is his polar opposite, a commitment-phobe with a Peter Pan complex (Jason Segel).

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones, Sarah Burns, Jamie Pressly, Jon Favreau, Jane Curtin, J.K. Simmons, Andy Sandberg, Thomas Lennon, Rob Huebel, Mather Zickel, Josh Cooke, Joe Lo Tuglio, and Lou Ferrigno as Himself.

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketGo! While the premise is outlandish, this character driven comedy remains grounded in reality, as it explores how hard it is to make new male friends once you're past the age of 30. And also, it's hilarious.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: The regularly scheduled awkward moments have the audience laughing so hard that you might miss some of the dialogue.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: One thing that's sad is that in real life this love affair could never be because, as an Angeleno, I promise you that a guy who lives in Silverlake would never purposely become friends with anyone who lives in Venice. Likewise, most Venice inhabitants are proud to be AWOL-- Always West Of Lincoln. And they usually own at least one T-shirt that says so. (But if you come for a visit, slap that insider lingo on a Westsider, and I guarantee they'll be impressed.)

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: It's hard to escape a nomination for Best Kiss at the MTV Awards when you've got man on man action. What? You didn't know this is a movie about gay love? Did you not read the title?

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Paul Rudd is an understated master of something intangible. It's awkward. It's real. And sometimes it breaks out into song-- or dance. Who is this man? Is he a straight arrow? Or is he a total freak? Only those who have seen him behind closed doors can know for sure. But the biggest laughs for me come from that hot new director, Jon Favreau, who goes back to his acting roots, to play an a-hole of unmatched proportions. I love him more with every role, Man.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: There are some shots that are genius, like one at the engagement party, where Jon Favreau walks into the center of a frame to insult the restaurant they're at, right in front of the owner. And there are some sequences, like the first fencing and locker room scenes, where you can't tell where you are in the scene, or where any of the characters are standing in relation to each other, because the director 'crosses the line'-- there's more insider lingo for you, but if you're going to see this movie, you're going to have to get used to that.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: The scenes from the previews are all much funnier in the context of the actual film, where they are often grounded in something bigger and more important than a fart. This movie has all the requisite set ups and pay offs, and some of them, you won't even see coming. The ending is a little abrupt, but if you stay tuned for the credits, you'll enjoy a nice little tag that wraps up the hanging threads nicely, and contains my personal favorite laugh in the whole film.

Q: Is there anything else worth mentioning about the movie?

A: Rare shout out to the costume designer who clothed Jason Segel. His casual outfits are ridiculous and familiar-- as he nonchalantly sports Ugg boots with shorts, like a true Venice local. But his formal-wear is where the costume designer, Leesa Evans, shows true insight, fitting all his suits a size too small, as if he has recently grown outward of them and not yet noticed that he needs to go shopping... Or to the gym.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/i-love-you-man/32120/trailers

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