I Love You, Man (2009)

I Love You, Man is a 2009 American comedy film originally titled Let's be Friends and written by Larry Levin before John Hamburg rewrote and directed the film. Starring Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, and Rashida Jones the film focuses on Peter's (Rudd) lack of male friends and the bond that forms between him and Sydney (Segel). The film was released theatrically in North America on March 20, 2009, to mostly positive reviews and took second spot in the box office during its opening week (to Knowing). The film was released on home video on August 11, 2009.

Peter Klaven, a real estate agent, just got engaged to Zooey Rice. Zooey is ecstatic about the engagement and calls her friends to tell them about it, but Peter does not seem to have anyone special he'd like to share the good news with. While visiting his parents, it comes out that Peter is more adept at getting along with women, instead of having any male friends. After overhearing Zooey's friends voice their concerns over the matter, Peter realizes he needs to find male friends in order to have a best man for his wedding. Peter attempts to go on "man dates" with several men, which all end in failure, due to his general lack of knowledge in regards to "being a man". Feeling rejected, Peter is about to give up, when during an open house at Lou Ferrigno's mansion, he meets Sydney Fife, an investor who (admittedly) is attending the showing simply to pick up divorced women. The two hit it off very well, despite having different personalities, and exchange business cards. Later, Peter calls Sydney, and they go out for drinks. The two continue to hang out more, and Sydney eventually invites Peter into his "man cave," a space in his garage where he keeps a big-screen TV, his collection of musical instruments, and various other belongings. Peter and Sydney quickly bond over their mutual fanhood of the band Rush, and start meeting frequently for jam sessions. Peter finally introduces Sydney to Zooey at their engagement party, but Zooey's opinion of Sydney sours when he makes a very awkward and inappropriate toast (referring to Zooey's dislike of performing oral sex on Peter). The next night, Peter is watching TV with Zooey, when Sydney calls and talks Peter into going to see Rush live. Hesitant to break his plans, Peter reluctantly agrees to go on the condition that he can bring Zooey. During the concert, Peter and Sydney bond, leaving Zooey to feel ignored. The next day, while shopping for tuxedos, Sydney asks Peter why he is marrying Zooey, and also asks for an $8,000 loan. After some thought, Peter decides to loan Sydney the money, and later grants him the honor of best man at his wedding. Zooey, meanwhile, has become suspicious of Sydney, especially after he gets into a fight with Lou Ferrigno, possibly causing Peter to lose exclusive sales rights to Ferrigno's house. Peter tells Zooey that he lent Sydney money and asks her if she knows why they are getting married. Hurt and angry, Zooey leaves to stay at her friend's house. When Peter leaves for work that next morning, he learns that Sydney has used the $8,000 loan to purchase several ridiculous billboard advertisements for Peter's real estate business. Peter confronts Sydney, and decides to end their friendship. Peter then patches things up with Zooey, explaining to her that he is nervous but ready to get married. Peter discovers that Sydney's billboards worked after he starts receiving more clients and offers on the Ferrigno house. Peter feels bad about fighting with Sydney but doesn't re-invite Sydney to the wedding. Before the wedding, Zooey sees Peter sad, so she calls and invites Sydney, who is already on his way to the wedding. Just before the vows are to be taken, Sydney makes a dramatic entrance. He informs Peter and Zooey that he is, in fact, a successful investor and returns the money he borrowed from Peter, stating that the billboards were the couple's wedding present. Peter and Sydney declare their platonic love to each other, and Sydney assumes the role of best man.