See it!

Rating: 8/10 (5 November 2009)

I didn't expect much from this movie, just to waste an hour or two since the choices on other channels sucked. And yet, I ended up liking this movie quite a lot!
I've noticed that a few professional critics take the film to task for it's "sophomoric" and explicit humor. Listen, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" ain't Fellini or "Citizen Kane" or some high falutin' BBC costume drama, nor does it have to be. Movies can be fun and silly and sex-oriented, and that's just fine. "Animal House", anyone? Hey, it's now considered a classic! And no one (except for, perhaps, Chris Farley) was as juvenile as John Belushi.
As far as the nudity and masturbation jokes go, in my youth the bar for this genre of movies was set by "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." If you recall, Judge Reinhold jerked off in the bathroom while fantasizing about Phoebe Cates's breasts - and that was almost 28 years ago (and set in HIGH SCHOOL!) "Sarah Marshall" isn't any more explicit than "Porky's" (COLLEGE STUDENTS!) At least we're talking about young ADULTS here, and oftentimes the humor of that age IS sophomoric. So what? Not every 24-year-old can be Noel Coward, for Pete's sake.
The main characters in "Sarah Marshall" are fairly original, even if some of the minor ones are variations on well-established Hollywood stereotypes.
I found all the characters engaging - even the narcissistic British rock putz. I'm not all that familiar with actor/comic Russell Brand, but he really won me over in this film.
I was pleased to see Kristin Bell and Paul Rudd. I always enjoy Rudd, even in a throw-away role like his empty-headed stoner here (it seems to be genetically impossible for Rudd NOT to be charming in films OR in real life. Anyone see him on "The Daily Show" a few months ago?)
Kristen Bell has a bright future in show biz, as far as I can tell. If you haven't seen David Mamet's "Spartan", you absolutely should: she'll blow you away with her raw performance. She matches Val Kilmer scene-for-scene, which is pretty amazing given his legendary intensity. I knew then I was watching a serious young talent. Also, look for Bell in an old HBO "Deadwood" episode (if you get the chance), "Suffer the Little Children", where she plays a teenage con-artist who deservedly comes to a bad end. That's the first time I noticed her. Unlike too many Hollywood starlets, she's more than just a pretty face.
Jason Segel is a talented writer/actor. He projects a real vulnerability and decency (even when his character is, frankly, kind of creepy.) And sorry, all you nudity prudes: I, for one, admire his egalitarian willingness to go full-frontal. Now, if Segel can (or wants to) stretch beyond the comedy genre? Well, that remains to be seen . . . unlike his Johnson.
Watch "Sarah Marshall." You'll be pleasantly surprised!