"Forget" the rules of the typical romcom, this one is funny & innovative

Rating: 8/10 (5 June 2008)

Peter (Jason Segel, who also wrote this gem) is a composer of television theme songs. His longtime girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell) is the star of a crime show that sports his musical compositions. But, horror of horrors, Sarah stuns Peter by breaking up with him and moving out. Since Peter was completely in love with Sarah, who did little things like buy him a tupperware container to keep his cereal from getting stale, his heartache is acute. Needing a change, Peter decides to head for Hawaii and clear his head. Yet, when he arrives at a posh hotel and is greeted by a lovely hotel employee, Rachel (Mila Kunis), Pete soon discovers that Sarah is also a guest, along with her new love interest, Brit musician Aldous Snow (Russell Brand)! Now, how in the heck is Peter supposed to "get over" Sarah when he meets her everywhere, in the restaurants or on the beaches? Trying hard, Peter takes up surfing with a local stonehead (Paul Rudd) and even works himself into a few dates with the lovely Rachel. But, will his heart heal? Forget about the typical romcom rules and just enjoy this "male" take on the ups and downs of love. Segel should receive much praise for not only starring in this comic winner but writing it as well. Bell is great as the ambitious blonde beauty who is not as empty headed as one might believe and Kunis, with her huge, beautiful eyes, does a fine job as a possible new hearthrob for Peter. Rudd is a hoot as the 24/7 stoner while Brand is likewise hysterical as the full-of-himself rock star. The rest of the cast, including Jonah Hill and Bill Hader, is quite nice as well. As for the Hawaiian setting, it is beautiful to the maximum and worth the ticket or rental price alone. Add on great costumes, amenities, and direction and you have a polished film indeed. The writing is very funny, such as the scene where Peter signs up to help with a luau, not realizing he will asked to "kill" the poor pig. However, one caveat is that if you are in search of good, clean fun, this one is not the film for you, as it has many risqué, sexually charged scenes & themes. Nevertheless, for couples on the lookout for a flick to please both genders, here is a terrific choice, for it has plenty of raunchy humor and wistful romance at the same incredible time.