Reviewing 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall'

Originally Posted on MySpace on Thursday, April 24, 2008

Fans of the Judd Apatow clan flocked to theaters this weekend to see the latest flick produced by the man who started it all – Apatow – and written by "How I Met Your Mother" star Jason Segel. The film begins and within about 10 minutes it goes from "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" to trying to forget Segel's penis.

After the credits and a brief introduction into Segel's character, Peter, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" has the title character played by Kristen Bell breaking up with Peter. When he realizes what is happening and drops his towel, full-frontal male nudity makes a comeback to the R rated flick. Cries of shock and then laughter – at the cries of shock – were uttered throughout the crowd. But the film doesn't just want to unhinge the audience, there is an actual plot after all of Segel's nakedness which includes well-rounded characters, cameos by the Apatow gang, and plenty of laughs at realistic dating situations amp'd up for the big screen.

The film takes a humorous look at all the awful baggage that comes from a really bad break up. When Peter can't get away from Sarah – as the musical score writer for her "CSI"-esque show – his step brother, Brian (Bill Hader), encourages him to get away. Regrettably Peter picks the one place his ex has decided to go. And not only is she there but she's has her new Euro-trash pop singing boyfriend in tow.

In the first awkward Sarah-Peter meeting in Hawaii, Peter is saved by the hotel check-in girl, Rachel (Mila Kunis). In an attempt to cheer Peter up, Rachel invites him to parties and local bars, and in typical movie fashion they start to fall in love – much to Sarah's dismay.

Aside from about 20 minutes of male genitalia on display, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" showcases some of the truthful - and extremely awkward - moments of dealing with past relationships. The uncomfortable parts of dating and being alone are also comically examined as Jason Segel - who wrote the witty screenplay - affectively portrays Peter and his emotional rollercoaster. He's able to pull off the hilarious moments as well as the more toned down poignant points of the story.

Segel was also joined by two attractive leading ladies. Kristen Bell, notorious for being the cute and extremely likeable "Veronica Mars" successfully steps into the role of Sarah Marshall, which immediately showcases her comedic skills as well as her ability to portray different characters – including the bitchy ones. Mila Kunis was not just the adorable girl to mend Peter's heart. Her character was feisty and realistic giving her more creditability.

Aside from Segel's stand out performance as a leading man, one of the funniest performances came from British actor, Russell Brand. Virtually unknown, Brand was riveting as Aldous Snow, Sarah's new beau. He portrayed the sleazy and ultra-cheesy popstar to a T and at times was the most logically character in the bunch.

"Forgetting Sarah Marshall" didn't skimp on the cameos either. Paul Rudd made an appearance as the stoned surfing instructor and Jonah Hill portrays the obsessed Aldous Snow fan who works at the hotel.

Despite the full-frontal shock, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" is a witty comedy with a romance, a strange puppet rock opera, and memorable characters that raunchy film fans will not want to miss.