When I was a kid, I thought those were the lyrics in the Jimmy Hendrix tune "Purple Haze."  Who knew it was really "Excuse me, while I kiss the sky."  Well, my version of the lyrics would totally fit in this film's soundtrack.

I love the premise of this film; Guy meets girl.  Guy proposes to girl.  Guy has no male friends to stand up at his wedding.  Guy goes on quest for best friend and groomsmen.

"I Love You, Man" stars Paul Rudd (40 Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up) as Peter Klaven - the groom to be.  His sweetheart, Zooey is played by Rashida Jones (TV's The Office and Parks and Recreation). On of Peter's newly found friends is played by Jason Segel (Knocked Up and Forgetting Sarah Marshall).  Segel's very laid back and quite funny.  He is reported to have based his Sydney character on fellow actor Russel Brand.  Syd teaches Peter what it means to be a man and how to be brutally open and honest - and enjoy life!

It's tough to meet guy friends when you're older.  Most guys have male friends we've grown up with or have known for many years.  Let's face it, meeting guy friends when you're a 30 or 40 something can be downright rough.

What ensues is a very funny sort of "speed dating" if you will.  Rudd tries almost anything to meet his best man / best friend.  And just like in real life, he stumbles across someone when he isn't really looking.  They become inseparable - almost to the point that it's nauseating.  That's especially true for Zooey.  Peter and Zooey have a few heated arguments about the fact that Peter and Syd have become inseperable.  Peter is damned if he does and if he doesn't type of thing.  Peter's mom comments, "Peter always connected better with women."

In supporting roles, J.K. Simmons (Spiderman) and Jane Curtain (Saturday Night Live) play the Klaven parents while an ever-cynical Jon Favreau and bubbly Jaime Pressly lend their talents as the couple's married friends.  I have to say Favreau is hilarious in his role as are Thomas Lennon and Joe Lo Truglio who portray potential guy pals.

Director (and co-writer) John Hamburg (Along Came Polly and Safe Men) comes from a mostly television directing career, so perhaps he needs a bit more time in the feature film world in order to hone his skills.  After all, the film does have its awkward and slow moments.

The on screen chemistry between the Peter and Sydney is undeniable.  It works - it really works.  I found Jason Segel's performance on par with John Belushi or Bill Murray - the early years.

All in all "I Love You, Man" is worth renting but it's slow in some areas and a bit juvenile in others.  That can be a good thing for some and a bad thing for others.  Is "I Love You, Man" predictable?  Certainly, but it's just plain fun.  The ending is heart-felt too.

The film is rated R for language - including crude and sexual references.

Have fun.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older