Funny Little Break-Up Movie

Rating: 9/10 (30 December 2011)

The Apatow clan have made a name for themselves over the past decade or so. Since first appearing on the big screen with THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN, the clan has proved they can make more-than-the-usual gross-out movie and populate it with realistic, well-rounded characters. The plots for most, if not all, their movies involve characters (normally slacker types) who drink, get high, date, and all-too-easily wind up making mistakes that have consequences. And while the humor tends toward the gross-out, the clan likes to portray the human body and it's functions in a matter-of-fact way.
Anyway, on to FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL. For anyone who's ever had someone break up with them, only to subsequently see them everywhere, here's a film for you. Personally I know, I've been there. Peter (played by the always quirky Jason Segal) has been dating Sarah Marshall, a famous TV star, that is of course until she surprises him one afternoon and breaks up with him. Peter is devastated and forlorn. So, on the advice from his half-brother (played by the equally quirky Bill Hader) Peter takes a vacation. Bound for Hawaii. Unfortunately, Sarah (Kristen Bell) is also vacationing there with her new boyfriend, a controversial rock star played by Russell Brand. Caught in the middle of all this is Rachel (Mila Kunis) who likes Peter and may be the one to help him rebound from the heartbreak. And that's the main story in a nutshell. There are so many funny and poignant little moments that I wouldn't think of revealing any. A movie like this is meant to be savored. Speaking personally, I also liked the sub-story involving the newlyweds. Their story alone could make for an interesting film. Granted, there's some very graphic nudity and a lot of sexual content, but deal with it! Because for once here's a break-up movie with something to say.