I Love You, Man a.k.a. “I Love You Man,” “Eu Te Amo, Cara,” “J't'aime mon homme,” “Let's Make Friends,” “Spancserek”

There are plenty of romantic comedies, and there are plenty of girlfriend movies. While guys have always had the “buddy” movie, which usually is more about comedy or action, “I Love You, Man” is being billed as the first ‘bromance.’ Now, don’t let that coined word fool you, a ‘bromance’ is a term that refers to a strong friendship between to heterosexual males. It’s more emotional than just a buddy movie, and it also allows for a different kind of comedy.

The story follows Peter Klaven (Paul Rudd), a real estate agent who’s always had plenty of girlfriends, but never managed to have many close male friends. After his engagement to Zooey (Rashida Jones), Peter realizes that his lack of guy friends is a problem, and he goes on a search for a best man for his wedding. Along the way, he meets Sydney Fife (Jason Segel). They find common ground, especially in their love of the band Rush, and become closer as the movie unfolds. In the process of their growing friendship, complications arrive between Peter and Zooey, and they’re forced to question their own relationship.

“I Love You, Man” is a film that probably could have been made in a 30 minute sitcom. The plot is basic, but it still succeeds due to the cast. Rudd and Segel are very likable, and their chemistry on screen makes you feel like they actually became good friends while making the movie. The film also has some solid but more subtle points on relationships in general, not just ‘bromances.’ It shows people in different relationships: marriage, engaged, single, but wanting marriage, and single while hating marriage.

Unfortunately, from a Christian viewer’s standpoint, those positives are covered with a heavy dose of language and sexual content. While there is no nudity or sex in the film, the sexual dialogue is constant and often graphic in nature. The sexual conversations seem to be omnipresent in the film, between Peter’s conversations with his fiancée, Sydney, and his gay brother Robbie.

While undoubtedly funny and well made, “I Love You, Man” is rated R for a reason. Similar to Judd Apatow films, gratuitous content masks a film with some really good points about life. And while I commend the redemptive aspects, they alone probably aren’t enough to warrant a viewing, and if they are, just know that you’ve been warned.

Violence: None / Profanity: Heavy / Sex/Nudity: Extreme

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