Clichés in the chick flick genre are known well enough that I probably don’t need to explain them. But when men are thrown into these roles, playing up the stereotypes in a “bro-mance”-type setting, it makes these clichés absolutely hilarious — and no longer clichés. This is especially true when Paul Rudd and Jason Segel are at the helm, like in “I Love You, Man.”

I’ve always been a fan of Rudd, even in the ultimate “as if” comedy “Clueless,” or in a buddy flick like “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.” Segel became a break-out sensation after writing and starring in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” last year. Teaming these two incredibly funny guys together was the best move for a movie like “I Love You, Man” where they can use their natural improvisation humor, and awkwardness, to draw laughs. And there are some big laughs.

Some might think that “I Love You, Man” is just another raunchy comedy about a couple of dudes trying to hook up with women, drink and out burp each other. That’s not this movie at all. In fact, Doug Wright — you know, the “voice of Utah” — even said after the screening that he actually liked it and thought it was cute. I felt the same way and believed it has a lot more heart and honesty than other “bro” movies like “Superbad” or “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.”

The story itself about a recently engaged man trying to find a best man for his wedding reeks of hilarity. When you add in Rudd, Segel and a slew of other comedians in small cameo roles — Andy Samberg, Jon Favreau, J.K. Simmons, Jay Chandrasekhar and Jane Curtain — it makes a great comedy even better.

Polite real estate agent Peter Klaven (Rudd) asks his girlfriend of eight months, Zooey (Rashida Jones), to marry him while showing her a possible location for a new building project that would include a second location for her own store, which is where they met. Zooey immediately calls all her friends to tell them the news. In return, while on speakerphone, they ask the juicy details and divulge in some rather personal information Zooey had shared with them about her and Peter’s personal life. This nags at Peter as he realizes he’s never had a male best friend.

With the help of his gay younger brother Robbie (Samberg), Peter sets out on a few man-dates to hopefully spark a new friendship. At first, nothing seems to click. During an open house for Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk”) home, which Peter is attempting to sell, he meets Sydney Fife (Segel), an upfront, honest and funny character who intrigues Peter from the get-go. After a few casual man-dates, they discover their mutual love for the band Rush, and that they both love to play instruments — poorly. Compared to Peter, who’s bumbling and awkward around members of the same sex, Sydney is laid-back and blames random outbursts on testosterone and animal instincts, which he believes people should use. Because Peter has a new friend in his life, Zooey has taken a back seat, putting a new strain on their relationship.

While trying on tuxes for the upcoming wedding, Sydney asks to borrow $8,000 from Peter. Hesitant at first, he eventually relents, claiming they’re best friends now and thinking that’s what best friends do for each other. Unaware of what Sydney will do with the money, Peter is still trying to sell Lou Ferrigno’s house and patch things up with Zooey. Then he notices a billboard that has his face plastered on it with a catchy slogan. Several more pop up and Peter now knows where that eight grand went. Thinking his career is destroyed, he tells Sydney he’s no longer his best man and somberly continues to plan for his wedding, now that Zooey has taken him back.

I loved everything about “I Love You, Man.” It has all the qualities of a typical chick flick, but with guys instead, and is the funniest comedy this year. It isn’t a dirty, raunchy comedy, but one that’s hilarious enough for men and women to enjoy together.

Missy Thompson: missy@tooeletranscript.com