Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Dir:  Nicholas Stoller
Starring: Jason Segal, Kristen Bell, Russell Brand

Forgetting Sarah Marshall is the latest film from the infamous Judd Apatow gang, who brought us Knocked Up!. Once again they have created a comedy that captures your heart whilst shying away from the sentimentality of most romantic comedies.

Segal plays Peter, a loveable composer, recently dumped by his girlfriend of five years, Sarah Marshall (Bell). Wallowing in self pity (which gets slightly repetitive), Peter attempts to cheer himself up by sowing his wild oats. When this does not work, his best friend suggests a luxurious trip away to Hawaii. Coincidently, he checks in to the same resort as his ex, with her new love interest, Aldous Snow (Brand) are staying. As the plot unravels, Peter starts to take Sarah off her pedestal and, quite predictably, falls for the stunning receptionist, Rachel (Mila Kunis). The result is a traditional chick-flick, with a more perverted male twist; a ‘dick-flick’, perhaps.

Although Segal captures the devastation of his break-up perfectly and is an endearing lead man, Brand steals the film. Ultimately just playing himself – a quirky, charming, sex mad superstar – his character is popular with everyone, even Peter. In fact, the film relies heavily on the talented actors we have rapidly begun to know and love, such as Paul Rudd and Jonah Hill.

There is, however, a distinct lack of actual jokes throughout the film. The one liners that were so successful in Apatow’s previous efforts only make the odd appearance. Forgetting Sarah Marshall is closer to traditional rom-coms like The Wedding Date, which although entertaining, are not in the same league as Superbad and Knocked Up.

Ultimately, although the film has retained the vulgar and subtle humour that has made this comedy team into household names, it fails to measure up to their previous films.

6/10