Juvenile humor, sympathetic characters in comedy about candor

What we get in John Hamburg's funny, moronic, platonic comedy "I Love You, Man" is an inspired, undercranked comic performance by Paul Rudd, whose mastery of the art of deadpan reaction rivals Matthew Broderick's slow-burn straight man act from "The Cable Guy."

Rudd's character, floundering real estate salesman Peter Klaven, tries so desperately to be cool, and wants so earnestly to be accepted, that his failed attempts to say something pithy in his parting shots are painful to witness.

"Totes magoats!" Peter says.

What?

"Dude - " he says, frantically thinking of how to improve on that noun, "von - dudenstein!"

You'd think two or three of these embarrassments would stop Peter. Nope. He never gives up hope that he might sound like Mr. Slick.

Peter is pathetic, but endearingly pathetic, which is why "I Love You, Man" follows the Judd Apatow formula of strange and quirky characters who come off warm and lovable no matter what crass verbiage escapes from their lips, or how naughty they behave.

Hamburg's comedy may not inspire the same riotous laughter as a "Forty Year Old Virgin" or the hilarious nastiness of a "Superbad." It still mines genuine chuckles from arrested adolescence, and a hair-thin premise built around the uncomfortable subject of male bonding.

Peter has always had girls as his best friends, never any guy pals. In short, he has no one in the wings who can step in as best man at his upcoming wedding with the lovely Zooey (Rashida Jones, star of "The Office"). She pushes him to find a best man, pronto!

Peter seeks advice from his gay brother Robbie (Andy Samberg), who prefers to hit on straight guys because they're more of a challenge. Their bluntly honest dad (J.K. Simmons in scene-stealing mode) has no qualms about proclaiming Robbie to be his favorite son.

As Peter goes on his series of man-dates - the most memorable being Thomas Lennon's funny bit as a rejected gay who misconstrues Peter's intentions - he finally spots a scruffy straggler at an open house for Lou "The Incredible Hulk" Ferrigno's mansion that Peter is selling. (Yes, this movie was made before the meltdown.)

Sydney Fife (Jason Segel, the brave and revealing star of "Forgetting Sarah Marshall") confesses he goes to open houses for the free food. He and Peter strike up an instant rapport. Soon, the two are hanging out together, playing music in their own two-man band, and sharing secrets, something the uptight Peter has never done before.

"I Love You, Man" is about more than two people falling in friendship. The script, by Hamberg and Larry Levin, examines how honesty and candor are used as weapons in relationships, be they defensive or offensive.

At the beginning, Peter wishes Zooey wouldn't be so forthcoming about his accommodating sexual techniques to her envious girlfriends. Later, Peter really opens up to Sydney, only to have his bedroom wish list become part of Sydney's well-meaning after-dinner toast to the happy couple.

Who is this Sydney guy? Is he really being honest when he hits Peter up for money?

Admittedly, "I Love You, Man" ends with a cliché wedding scene. But before it arrives, the film hosts a healthy supply of surprises and a crackling chemistry between Rudd and Segel, making their third movie together.

As cool Peter might say, "Pop a squizznot!"

<p class="factboxheadblack">"I Love You, Man"</p> <p class="News">Three stars</p> <p class="News"><b>Starring:</b> Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg, J.K. Simmons, Lou Ferrigno</p> <p class="News"><b>Directed by:</b> John Hamberg</p> <p class="News"><b>Other:</b> A Paramount Pictures release. Rated R (language). 104 minutes.</p> <div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Video</h2> <ul class="video"> <li><a href="/multimedia/?category=1&type=video&item=232">Dann Gire interviews the stars, director </a></li> </ul> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=279645">Dann Gire's interview with J.K. Simmons<span class="date">[3/18/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>