I Love You, Man

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: March 20, 2009

DVD Release Date: August 11, 2009

Plot 411: Recently engaged Peter is faced with the fact that he doesn't have many close male friends and embarks on man-dates to fill out the wedding party.

Review: OMG, I didn't think this movie would be as funny as it was, but I laughed my butt off. This entire movie was just painfully awkward. Peter (Paul Rudd) is a successful real estate agent in L.A. who has recently proposed to his girlfriend Zooey (Rashida Jones). As they discuss their upcoming nuptials, it becomes apparent that Peter doesn't have any close guy friends. Zooey encourages him to meet new people and Peter enlists the help of his mother (Jane Curtin), brother (Andy Samberg) and the internet. His search for bromance definitely mirrors one's search for a significant other and this just adds to the hilarity of the situation. After a series of bad man-dates, Peter meets Sidney (Jason Segel) at an open house and the two become fast friends. Sidney gives Peter the male perspective and influence he has never had before and Peter finally grows a pair (although he's still a "nice guy"). This soon causes tension in Peter and Zooey's relationship and an interesting love triangle develops. The topic of this movie is awesome and so relatable somehow. Rudd and Segel are good together as are the supporting cast that includes Jaime Pressly, Jon Favreau, J.K. Simmons, Thomas Lennon and Lou Ferrigno. The special features are also filled with some pretty good moments that are worth a watch.

Watch It: For an awesome cast of comedic geniuses.

Skip It: If you need to keep people in separate boxes, because there are definite moments when the Peter/Sidney relationship seep over and linger in unknown territory.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 18, 2008

DVD Release Date: September 30, 2008

Plot 411: After a horrible break up, Peter takes a trip to Hawaii only to run into his ex and her new beau.

Review: I thought I'd try another Judd Apatow movie because I just don't understand the hype about this guy. I still don't get it. I've watched a number of movies in which he is the writer or producer and find them only mildly humorous in a sophomoric way. This one had the added benefit of being filmed in Hawaii, but other than that it didn't really impress me. Peter (Jason Segel) makes his living by scoring his girlfriend Sarah's (Kristen Bell) hit tv show. But when she dumps him for another man, he spirals down into depression. His step brother, played by Bill Hader, suggests that he go on vacation to clear his mind (only after he's waded through a sea of one night stands to no affect). Unfortunately, Sarah and her boyfriend are also vacationing and it seems that Peter cannot escape her. The one interesting thing about this film in comparison with the others is that Peter and Sarah realize that they were both at fault for the destruction of their relationship. This, I think, is a new development in many of Apatow's movies. Most films have a good guy and bad guy and leave it at that. This one clearly depicts a grey area in the relationship, which is much more realistic. As in other Apatow films, support comes by way of Paul Rudd and Jonah Hill. Other stars include Mila Kunis and Russell Brand. Kalani Robb also makes an appearance.

Watch It: For comedy on par with Superbad and Knocked Up.

Skip It: If you've had enough of Apatow's creations.

Role Models

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: November 7, 2008

DVD Release Date: March 10, 2009

Plot 411: Two friends fulfill their court-appointed community service by being big brothers to two troubled kids.

Review: Let's say this movie wasn't as funny as the previews made it seem. However, it was ok. I suppose it was on par with other Seann William Scott flicks. He played his typical character - a sex-crazed delinquent. Paul Rudd played the straight man (pretty typical as well) to Scott's beast. What made this film so great was the two kid actors - Christopher Mintz-Plasse (of Superbad fame) and Bobb'e J. Thompson. They were both hilarious, especially Thompson with his continuously dirty mouth. Fun-E! The gist of the movie is that Rudd's girlfriend breaks up with him and he gets crazy sad, commits some stupid crime with Scott's character and is sentenced to community service or else faces jail time. At first the two hate the idea of being some little's big but are forced to when the idea of anal sex in jail scares them straight. The go from half ass to whole hearted in no time. Awwww!

Watch It: For stupid humor, lots of swearing and some nudity.

Skip It: If you've seen enough of these movies since American Pie to last you a lifetime.

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