The Three Potatoes

8th October 2008
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Director: Nicholas Stoller
Producer: Judd Apatow, Shauna Robertson, Rodney Rothman
Writer: Jason Segel
Starring: Jason Segel, Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Russel Brand

Peter (Jason Segel) is a composer for a popular crime show starring his girlfriend Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell). When Sarah unceremoniously breaks up with Peter for someone else, Peter seeks solace in Hawaii only to discover his ex and her new lover are holidaying at the same resort.

I respect Judd Apatow's beta male revolution with average Joe / nerdy outsider / semi-slob getting a chance at the lead. Funny offerings such as the 40 Year of Virgin and Knocked Up sound crass on the outside with a heart on the inside which has taken him and his team to great recent success. If only he could have a little less crass on the outside. I am overjoyed to see the stars of the beloved Freaks and Geeks out front and centre of numerous successful enterprises, many with the assistance of Apatow. I would love to see Paul Feig's work in movies as I have a feeling his wonderful love of geekiness and the ostracised teen experience carried a love of warmth and humorous insight.

Russell Brand needs no introduction. Wherever he goes a spotlight follows him. As Aldous Snow, Sarah's new boyfriend, he is appealing as a semi vain, come-what-may rock star who does whatever he wants with great honesty. As much as I like Kristen Bell, the character of Sarah Marshall is the least interesting of the leads. Mila Kunis is likable but no surprise there. Surely even Jonah Hill gets tired of playing Jonah Hill? He's good as always, but come on. Paul Rudd is given too much material yet again. Give him a rest Apatow! Jason Segel has created a script with very little farcical humour but a lot of relationship and character comedy where you feel these people are not doing things for the sake of being funny, but are living their lives which happen to be humorous. Some of the greatest elements of the film are based on his own experiences such as the break up scene and the idea for a puppet musical. Segel has been so inspired by puppets he jumped at the opportunity to write material for a new Muppets project.

The writing is enjoyable and a lot fresher than the current lot of romantic comedies. Fun but not a classic.

You'll probably like this if: you like Apatow but with less vulgarity.

You'll probably not like this if: you don't like Apatow