The term "Bromance" has been quite popular in the last few years thanks to films like "Pineapple Express" and "Role Models" so it seemed only like a matter of time before we'd get a film in which the "Bromance" was the central aspect of the plot.

In "I Love You, Man", a hilarious and disarming Paul Rudd plays Peter Klaven, a good hearted real estate agent on the verge of becoming a husband. While his relationship with fiancee Zooey (a wonderfully likable Rashida Jones) couldn't be better, he is startled when he overhears his future bride's girlfriends suggest that they think it odd that he doesn't have any guy friends. After realizing they might be right, Peter sets out to find the perfect "Bromance". He eventually finds it in the form of Sydney Fife (a hilarious Jason Segel), a lovable schlub who lives every day to the fullest. . Eventually, these two virtual opposites become inseparable buddies, and not surprisingly, it's isn't long before they're bringing out the best (and in some cases, the worst) in each other.

On paper, "I Love You, Man" sounds like crappy sitcom material, but in the capable hands of Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones, and an outstanding supporting cast, this charming, laugh out loud romp proves to be near comic gold.

I say I Love You, Man is "near comic gold" because the film does sag a bit in the mid section, but it still has enough clever banter, perfectly placed jokes, winning chemistry, and undeniable charm to solidify itself as one of the best comedies of the year,

Rudd and Segel are perfect together. The numerous scenes in which these two guys are simply hanging out and conversing, come across as completely natural. Whether they're at the bar, walking along the beach, or jamming to the rock stylings of Rush, there's something truly magical about this union. It's all about chemistry, and Rudd and Segel have it. They're the Julia Roberts/Richard Gere of their generation, only in a platonic way. In fact, chemistry is the key to this film's overall success and in the world of I Love You, Man, spot on chemistry appears to be contagious, as it spreads throughout the stellar supporting cast. As a father and son, J.K. Simmons and Andy Samberg provide some of the film's biggest laughs while John Favreau (in full on a-hole mode) and Jaime Pressly are an absolute riot as a bickering married couple.

I Love You, Man was directed by John Hamburg, and as is the case with many of the Judd Apatow productions of the last few years, this one has a lose, improvisational feel to it. What's more, it's perfectly clear that all the terrific performers involved in this funny, likable movie had a blast making it, and that energy seeps right off the screen.

I Love You, Man is rated R, and while it was clearly made for adults, it's far less crass than many of the other R rated comedies to be released in recent memory. Yes, there are puke gags and blow job jokes, but overall, this is a much cleaner film than you'd expect. Furthermore, I found the lack of cliches refreshing. At one point in I Love You, Man the film makers will have you convinced that this movie is going to go into a really obvious (and lame) direction. Happily, they pull the rug out from under you and avoid this particular path. These wonderful characters stay true to who they are, and I loved every second of it.

Grade: B