Russell Brand is the Major Highlight

Rating: 9/10 (4 November 2008)

Jason Segel proves he's more than just a great supporting character actor as he writes and stars in another highlight from producer Judd Apatow's crew. Based on his own break-up experiences, Segel wrote the film around Peter Bretter, a musician who is dumped by his TV star girlfriend (the titular Sarah Marshall). In an effort to pull himself from his miserable situation, Peter vacations to Hawaii and finds himself staying at the same resort as Sarah and her new boyfriend, English glam-rocker Aldous Snow. Through the course of his stay in Hawaii, Peter deals with Sarah's new relationship while meeting the odd locals and, more importantly, the cute hotel clerk.
As with Apatow's "Knocked Up", this movie doesn't have as much in-your-face laugh-out-loud moments but it's still got great comedic performances from the entire cast. Seriously though, the funniest part of the whole film was Russell Brand as Aldous Snow. That man was so funny, he stole every scene he was in. I also wish Paul Rudd (as over-backed surf instructor Koonu) and Bill Hader (as Peter's step-brother Brian) had larger parts in the film, as they were hilarious. Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, and Mila Kunis give great honest performances as the key players, so it all adds up to make the film of my favorite from the Apatow canon.
This movie is great from anyone who has ever found themselves in the same situation as it helps you see it all with a comedic eye. I loved the characters and we're introduced to Russell Brand, whom I hope to see in more Apatow films in the future. The movie did seem to wander aimlessly at points but it never became boring, as there was always something funny around the corner. It feels a bit long in its near two-hour runtime but it doesn't feel wasted. I generally don't go for romantic comedies but this is one of the best I've seen.