Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Like most Judd Apatow movies, this one is not so much about the main for character or story line but instead about it is all the interesting, quirky, and charming supporting characters. Like if you remember Superbad, McLovin’ with the two cops were the best part of the films. I have talked to girls who have said that they wished the movies was about them. (for McLovin fans check out funnyordie.com “McLovin’ Fund” which was has Forgetting Sarah Marshall’s Kirsten Bell). I really loved everyone in this film except for the main character Peter, played by Jason Segel; who by the way also wrote the screenplay.

The movie is basically guy loses girlfriend and is depressed. Goes to a report in Hawaii and finds his ex-girlfriend and her new guy in the same resort.

I found the Peter character to be winy, boring and complete uninteresting, which might come from the fact I never really bought into his performance. The film does spend a lot of time with him, but if you can forget about him, you are in for a bit of a treat.

There were a lot of things that I liked here. First of all, you have the Apatow regulars like Jonah Hill of SuperBad, who plays this waiter, a soften down character of what he normally does, who is in love with a British pop star Russell Brand, who is staying at the resort with Peter’s ex-girlfriend Sarah Marshall. Russell Brand is this very funny character who is a microcosm of what you think a overconfident- oversexed British pop star should be. Sort of like a cross between Sting, Chris Martin and George Michael. He has cheesy songs about saving world, is recovering from his substance abuse issues, is a sex addict, and basically a nice guy. The ex-girlfriend, played by Kirsten Bell, is surprising normal except that she is an actress from TV crime shows. The spoof of those shows is way overdue and watch to credits to see another CSI parody along with Jason Bateman. The supporting characters are so well defined and more interesting that you cheer when they appear and you really don’t want them to leave. My favorite was the young Christian couple who waited for there honeymoon, for whatever people do on their honeymoon. The woman is really excited and the guy complains to no end. It’s really funny. The cast is rounded out by Paul Rudd, being Raul Rudd, and Mila Kunis, from Family Guy and That 70’s show, basically playing her role straight as the love interest of Peter.

There are some funny musically numbers. My favorite was when Peter plays a really depressing song, then after a few bars you realize that it is the opening song to the Muppet Show.

Overall the movie is very long and the story is tired. However, there is this new comedy team. It looks like the Will Farrell, Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn crew have been supplanted with this lot and this style of humor. In summary, if you know and like the name “Apatow” this movie is for you, and if you are tagging along there are some good laughs in there when Peter isn’t crying or showing his shlong.