I Love You, Man ***

Cast: Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones, Jaime Pressly, Jon Favreau, Jane Curtin, J.K. Simmons, Andy Samberg
Director: John Hamburg
Running Length: 1:45
MPAA Classification: R

Peter’s (Rudd) best friends are all women. He has no realy guy friends. So, upon his engagement to Zooey (Jones), the question arises of who will be his best man. His only real choices are his father (Simmons) and his brother (Samberg), who aren’t really the best of choices. Peter embarks on a number of man-dates in an attempt to meet a new best friend. They go wrong in many ways, and when Peter is ready to give up, he meets Sydney (Segel). They bond in Sydney’s “man cave”, jamming to songs by Rush and just hanging out. The friendship is going so well that soon Zooey is feeling left out.

I’ve been a fan of Paul Rudd for a while now, and it is good to see him headlining a film. He and Segel have good chemistry in what is essentially a romantic comedy between two straight men. Despite its share of raunchiness, there is some unexpected sweetness too. “I Love You, Man” is an enjoyable film, and I recommend it.

Horton Hears a Who! ***
Cast (voices): Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Carol Burnett, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen, Isla Fisher, Amy Poehler, Jaime Pressly, Charles Osgood
Director: Jimmy Hayward, Steve Martino
Running Length: 1:28
MPAA Classification: G

Horton (Carrey) is an elephant who one day discovers a talking speck of dust. Of course, it is not really the speck that is talking, but the people living on it. He catches the speck on a clover and manages to talk to the Mayor of Whoville (Carell). The mayor begs Horton to find a safe place for the speck so his world isn’t destroyed. Horton agrees, but must deal with the Kangaroo (Burnett) who does not believe in anything she cannot see.

“Horton” is the best motion picture adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ work. Better than “Granch” and far better than “Cat in the Hat”. The computer animation better suits the characters created in childrens’ books many years ago. Carrey and Carell do solid jobs as the two leads, and the rest of the voice talents are good as well. This is a movie geared more towards kids, but adults will find enjoyment in it as well. Son’t be surprised if we see Horton again in a few years, trying to hatch an egg. I recommend this film.