Film Review - Forgetting Sarah Marshall Film Review

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House review of Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Ok, so as you're all aware, this is the latest Judd Apatow produced film. Following up from Anchorman, The 40 Year Old Virgin and the double header of Knocked Up and Superbad from last year, anything Apatow breathes on seems to become celluloid gold. I was looking forward to seeing this, although I thought that the plot line didn't have the humourous theme to grab your attention. I mean, which of these films has the most potential to be hilarious - a sexist 70's newsreader, a 40 year old virgin, a one night stand which leads to a baby, sex mad teenagers or a guy who gets dumped and tries to get over her by travelling to Hawaii. Hmmm I don't know about you, but the last one sounds like the latest Orlando Bloom vehicle. That's the beauty of this film, the concept is pretty basic, but the execution is brilliant.

Everything about this film is great. The lead Jason Segel (SNL alumni) is very good at playing the vulnerable, heartbroken guy. There are several scenes when he is upset and the cinema laughs as it should, but then there are times when Segel makes you believe that he really is heartbroken and you feel so sorry for him. Oh and you see his willy, which is quite scary. Kristen Bell is the one 'weak' character, although she does nothing wrong, she doesn't really do much, the film is about Segel. Next up is Mila Kunis. Wow, the girl from That 70's Show grew up! She is stunning, and she plays the role very well, one of these "life's too short" people. Jonah Hill is good, although he only has about 5 minutes of screen time, as a waiter at the resort, completely infatuated with Russell Brand's character. Paul Rudd is unrecognisable as a stoner surf instructor but is responsible for some great quotes. Which brings me to Brand.

I've never been a fan of Russell Brand, I find him too OTT and annoying. The first scene with him in involves him singing a ridiculous charity single with him kissing people and grinding on them. But then I realise that he is just playing a parody of himself. From then on in Brand was hilarious. He plays the British rocker so well, perfect for the role. What makes this even funnier is the fact he is the nicest guy in the world. See how he instantly tries to make Peter (Segel) feel comfortable around him and Sarah Marshall (Bell). This film should propel Brand into the movie mainstream.

The only things I wasn't a fan of was Peter's stepbrother chatting online, although giving a few funny moments, it just seemed like a pointless character was created in order to fit Bill Hader into the film. Hader is obviously funny (he was the other cop in Superbad), but Apatow didn't need him in this. The other thing was the honeymooning couple who have trouble with sex, again, just a filler sup-plot which could have been used on Jonah Hill or more Brand, which is what everyone wanted.

The funniest quotes despite both being in the trailers are:

Matthew (Jonah Hill): I have a question for you real quick. What did you think of my demo? Did you get it?
Aldous Snow (Russell Brand): I was gonna listen to that, but then, um, I just carried on living my life.

and - Aldous Snow : Can you get that outta my leg, hotel man?
Kundu : You sound like you're from LANDAN!

All in all, a very funny film which went above the expectations I had for it, and has given several quotes which will be dished out for years I think. I highly recommend this film, although I feel it will have an Anchorman life, struggle at the cinema, but do well on DVD.