Friendless Peter Klaven goes on a series of man-dates to find a Best Man for his wedding. But, when his insta-bond with his new B.F.F. puts a strain on his relationship with his fiancée, can the trio learn to live happily ever after?
Do you ever worry that you don’t have enough friends? Or think, who is going to be in my bridal party if I get married? Well that’s what’s happened to recently engaged real estate agent Peter (Paul Rudd). After popping the question to Zooey (Rashida Jones) she excitedly calls her girlfriends and tells them the big news! Zooey then asks Peter if he wants to call anyone, but he declines and says he will just give his parents a call the next morning since he doesn’t really have any guy friends.
Peter, oblivious that there is an issue, comes home one night to overhear Zooey telling her girlfriends that she thinks Peters best friend is his mum. A frank conversation between the two and a hilarious series of man date disasters follow before Peter nearly gives up.
During an open house for a property that Peter has listed and is having trouble selling, he meets Sidney (Jason Segel). Who has no intention of buying the house at all and admits he is only there to meet women. The pair hit it off and exchange cards before Sidney leaves. After waiting a few days, Peter calls Sidney and leaves an extremely awkward voice message. Thinking he's ruined any hope of a friendship, Peter is surprised when Sidney calls back, and they organise a catch up at Venice Beach. After bonding over fish tacos and beer, a friendship is born, and the two spend most days together involving rock concerts, jam sessions and hiking.
Zooey eventually voices her concerns about how much time Peter is spending with Sidney. In an effort to settle concerns, Peter tries to help Zooey and Sidney get to know each other better, even going on a double date, which ends terribly.
Moving on from the disaster date, Peter and Sidney head out to buy his tuxedo for his wedding. Sidney, taking some photos of Peter in silly poses, asks for some money for an investment he can’t talk about. Peter reluctantly agrees and later in the day asks Sidney to be his best man.
Zooey and Peter have a big fight over the loan to Sidney and Peter decides it's best to “break up” his bromance with Sidney. On the way to Sidney’s house to tell him the bad news, Peter sees a series of billboards with his face on them. The pictures Sidney was taking when he was trying on his suit! Even more infuriated when he arrives to see Sidney, Peter tells him that Sidney has basically ruined his life. Peter heads home and apologises to Zooey and tells him Sidney is no longer his friend.
At work the next week Peter surprisingly has a heap of messages of people responding positively to Sidneys billboards.
We reach the end of the film and its wedding time! Peter has an awkward calamity of groomsmen from his dad, to clients and even failed man dates. The pastor begins the ceremony but wait!....Sidney arrives!!! This is a surprise to Peter and we then learn Zooey rang Sidney to make sure he was there for Peter. Sidney walks down to Peter and repays him for the billboards, even though they worked, it is his wedding gift to Peter and Zooey. The happy couple get hitched and Peter and Sidney jam away into the night.
Paul Rudd plays awkward and goofy real estate agent Peter perfectly, while Jason Segel fits into the role of Sidney so smoothly you almost think he could be playing himself. Supporting cast Rashida Jones, Jaime Pressly and Andy Samberg do well to embed themselves into their characters. A film that probably hits home for many of us at some point in our lives. If you are ever in Venice definitely take Sidney’s advice and try the James Beach fish tacos!
Trailer Courtesy of Twist Telly - YouTube.