A spin-off that doesn't disappoint...

Rating: 9/10 (10 July 2010)

I was very excited about seeing this movie and I wasn't disappointed.
A Russell Brand fan from way back, and a fan of Sarah Marshall, I was excited about this movie but was slightly concerned that my expectations would not be met, having been let down by sequels and spin-offs in the past. I am not a fan of many recent big budget comedies and was concerned that the charm of Forgetting Sarah Marshall would be missing from this film. Thankfully, GHTTG does not try to be another FSM, but stands independently as a hilarious and interesting movie.
The story flies by from one hilarious incident to the next and the resolutions of various comedic situations are largely unpredictable, which keeps the audience hooked. I found so many of the performances clever and the characters engaging that I did not want the movie to finish.
My only criticism about this film would be that I found it overly soppy and sentimental in some parts, something which makes me uncomfortable in movies that aren't meant to be taken too seriously.
But although the movie does not cause viewers to reflect on larger societal issues, (and is less successful the few times it does try this) as a light-hearted, entertaining film it is highly effective. Both times I saw this movie at the cinema the audience laughed hysterically at every joke from the start to the finish and this certainly helped my enjoyment. I am baffled as to why this film has received some less-than positive reviews.