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Movie Review: Forgetting Sarah Marshall
‘Sarah Marshall’ not easily forgettable
By Lauren Claret
Special to 2theadvocate.com
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Those viewers familiar with the work of Judd Apatow and his crew (“Knocked Up,” “Superbad,” “The 40 Year Old Virgin”) should know to expect the unexpected. In “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” the unexpected takes form in full frontal male nudity. This display occurs in the first 10 minutes.
It is not ‘sexy,’ nor does it serve any ‘artistic’ function. But “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” isn’t that kind of movie anyway. The in-your-face opening scenes really set the tone for what’s to come, which is just more vulgarity. If this hangs you up, you will be hung up for the rest of the movie and less likely to enjoy the humor. That said, this unserious movie is seriously funny. I laughed out loud throughout the entire thing. Behind all of the skin, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” even has a heart.
After being dumped by Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell), his girlfriend of five years, Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) tries to forget her by vacationing at a Hawaiian resort. The resort happens to be one of Sarah’s favorite spots, and she just happens to be vacationing there, too --- with Peter’s replacement, Aldous Snow (Russell Brand). Surviving a few awkward encounters, both parties stubbornly insist on staying put. With the help of Rachel Jansen (Mila Kunis) and the rest of the resort staff, Bretter eventually comes out on top.
The filmmakers deliver their usual triumphant ‘dorky’ protagonist, dealing with heartbreak. Segel’s comedic sense sets the role apart though. His character is totally realistic and relatable. Not to mention, he wrote the screenplay. So, it’s no wonder he pulls off his character so well.
Bell, the heartbreaker, fills her role nicely too. Some of the producers’ regulars such as Bill Hader and Jonah Hill (“Superbad”) along with Paul Rudd (“Knocked Up”) make an appearance. The charismatic cast balances out some of the over-the-top sexual humor to an extent, but still I have to wonder if the crudeness is an attempt at shock value or at realism. The shock value probably wins out, but it simultaneously makes “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” unforgettable. So, who cares?
As a whole, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” takes care of entertainment and provides for a fun experience at the theater. At just under two hours, this film did tend to drag a little toward the end. However, that is not to say that the story isn’t worth sitting through. As for the nudity -- if those first 10 minutes contribute to any uncomfortable or squirmy feelings, be forewarned and either loosen up or walk out. It’s not going to get any tamer. If that does not faze you, then you’re certainly in for some laughs.
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