Rated R for sexual content, language and some graphic nudity.
111 Minutes

Directed By: Nicholas Stoller
Written By: Jason Segal
Staring: Jason Segal, Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Russell Brand, Bill Hader, Liz Cackowski, Maria Thayer, Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd, Jack McBrayer, and Taylor Wily

Oh, if they were Sean Jean sweatpants it would be no problem, but because they were Costco brand, it’s the worst thing I could do. -Peter Bretter

Review

Forgetting Sarah Marshall is pretty much the raunchy slapstick romantic comedy that is advertised, and though it’s tale has a certain aspect of predictability, the journey to it’s formulatic resolve is anything but predictable.  The best part of the film is the characters.  Each is very defined and will keep you constantly on your toes.  The film structures itself around the recovery of a relationship, while being confronted by it on a constant basis.  The metaphor of running away from your problems being pointless because they will still be with you is an obvious point, but the thematic structure of the film and it’s comedy make it work.  Even with all the outrageous behavior and comedy mixed in, there is a story that just about everyone can relate to.  Who hasn’t been dumped or had their heartbroken?  It’s hard to move on after a serious relationship and Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a film that shows that from an outside perspective.   It also shows that in the right context it can actually be funny, while it still remains sensitive to the heartache of the breakup.

Peter Bretter is the composer for a television show about crime solvers, who’s girlfriend happens to be star of the show, and a famous actress.  Drop dead gorgeous Kristen Bell as his star girl, and him the guy who loves fruit loops and sweat pants don’t seem a typical match.  We know the inevitable break-up is only minutes away as the previews have given us that much information, and we are also privy to the fact that his choice to escape and take a vacation ends up with them staying in the same hotel, only she is with her new studly rock star boyfriend.  With his ex and her new boygallivanting in front of his face, moving on seems the last thing possible for Peter, until he befriends the hostess of the hotel, and suddenly there seems a little hope.

The first scene with Jason Segal is a bit gimmicky with the nudity, but without question it does grab your attention, so it served it’s purpose.  The whole film often feels that way.  Though some of the shocking or vulgar moments appear to be shoved into the film just to shock and for a quick laugh, they really work well with the story.  It’s unorthodox from your typical romantic comedy beats, but that’s where most of it’s appeal was for me.  I enjoyed the unexpected and not having the film overrun with sweet romantic moments.  The romance and attraction was always present, it just wasn’t awkwardly forced down your throat.

Mila Kunis was the spirit of Forgetting Sarah Marshall.  Her energy was palpable and the attraction between herself and Seagal was believable.  Not only did it feel like their characters should be together, but it really had you rooting for them, even if you could empathize withSeagal’s inability to let go of the ex-girlfriend played by Kristen Bell, who was hilarious.  Her newest love interest, played by Russell Brand, was the best part of the movie.  His relentless mellow meditating rock star persona was completely nonsensical but offered the right kind of funny at all the right moments.  Jonah Hill and Paul Rudd’s cameo’s depleted some of the cheesier or moreheartfelt moments with their strange sense of humor and characters, which in my thoughts really helped the film stray from being too much on the mushy side of things.  Even though some of the jokes were obvious and some of the romance did border on cheesy, this film should be applauded for taking the jokes and the formula of the romantic comedy in a new direction.  What happens to get to the final scene will have you scratching your head or covering your mouth in utter shock.  Not everything makes sense, and it was a relief that it didn’t.  The entire idea behind the Dracula play may not make sense to every viewer, it is downright weird, but it was so hilarious that by the end I realized it was a performance I’d actually pay to see.  Strange but the high point of the movie for me.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall isn’t the greatest film ever, but it’s a fun addition into the romantic comedy category that at the very least creates a good bridge that both men and women can appreciate together.  The universal appeal in that respect is counter by it’s crude humor and unapologetic vulgarity that may have some squirming in their seats rather than laughing, but for the audience it’s geared to it’s a nice compliment to the sweet and genuine romance that develops.  This was a pretty good one.

Popularity: 1% [?]