Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Whenever Judd Apatow isn’t writing and directing great comedies, or poking fun at himself on sites like Funny or Die, he’s producing. One of the great things about all of the recent success Apatow has found is that he’s been able to bring his friends and past collaborators along for the ride. Apatow surrounds himself with extremely talented people, so it only makes sense that they venture out and make their own movies too. Forgetting Sarah Marshall is the latest flick to fall under the Apatow and friends umbrella, and proves to be a worthy entry.

Pete Bretter (Jason Segel) and Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell) have been dating for five years. Sarah is the star of the hit television series, “Crime Scene”, while Pete is a composer and provides the music for said show. Pete can’t be happier with his relationship, but Sarah doesn’t feel the same way. Their relationship ends and Pete’s world comes crashing down. Feeling completely miserable, Pete decides to get away and hops a plane to Hawaii, unaware that the resort he’s chosen is also currently housing Sarah and her new sex addict rock star boyfriend Aldous Snow. Hilarity, a lot of hilarity, ensues.

The premise to Forgetting Sarah Marshall isn’t too deep, but it is a story most people will be able to relate to, and becomes more about all the characters than it does the actual break-up. The flick wastes no time crushing Pete’s world, and getting him to the tropical destination, which makes for a fun opening 20 minutes, the laughs come fast, particularly with Pete’s depression, and interspersed clips from “Crime Scene”, with Sarah Marshall’s unexpected, but hilarious, co-star.

Jason Segel, who also wrote the flick, provided many laughs in a supporting role in Knocked Up, and has no problem jumping into the lead role with Marshall. He’s a likable guy and his character is equally as likable, which is an essential ingredient to any good comedy. Another main ingredient, and something that Apatow productions always seem to nail, is a strong supporting cast. Forgetting Sarah Marshall has that in spades, with familiar faces in Johan Hill, Paul Rudd and Bill Hader all making appearances. It’s the movies strongest asset.

Kristen Bell and Mila Kunis, who plays the Hawaiian hostess Peter falls for, join the mix and fare well with the Apatow veterans, as does Russell Brand, who turns in a memorable performance as Sarah’s new boyfriend. Some of the funniest moments in the movie belong to Brand, something that isn’t that easy to accomplish, considering all of the talent that surrounds him.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall isn’t a perfect movie though. There are times when Pete’s and Sarah’s relationship problems tend to drag on, which probably stems from rookie Nicholas Stoller, who makes his directorial debut. But, like I stated above, thanks to all the great actors and characters, the movie never gets the opportunity to fall into complete boredom. And, with Jonah Hill’s star struck waiter, Paul Rudd’s surf instructor, and Bill Hader chiming in once and a while via web cam, why would it?

Overall, Forgetting Sarah Marshall doesn’t disappoint and is the type of high caliber comedy we’ve come to expect from Judd Apatow and company. Also, be sure to stay for the credits for bonus hilarity.