MOVIE REVIEW: Forgetting Sarah Marshall

It has become almost a tradition that as soon as the weather gets warm and the flowers begin to blossom, the frat pack would release a movie of truly perverse and epic proportions. In 2003, we were introduced to the original frat pack with the April release of ‘Old School,’ and five years and a few new inductees later, Jason Segel (with the producing help of fraternity honcho, Judd Apatow) is bringing to us, ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall.’

Peter Bretter (Segel) is in the slumps after his television star girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell), breaks up with him in the most awkward and nudist of ways (let’s just say, after this scene, you will know exactly what religion Segel is). With the help of his quirky step-brother, he decides to take a lonesome trip to Hawaii to take his mind off of Sarah (hence the title). However, as luck would have it, Sarah and her newest squeeze, British rock star and self-proclaimed playboy, Aldous Snow (played by Russell Brand, who in my opinion, steals every scene that he is in), are staying at the same hotel. Instead of running away, Peter decides to stick it out and make the most of his makeshift trip. With the help of front-desk receptionist, Rachael (Mila Kunis), Peter befriends an array of characters that bring even more comic relief to the film -- including some excellent cameos-- which eventually becomes just the help that he needs to destroy his memory of Sarah Marshall.

‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ is laugh-out-loud funny, but that is to be expected, since it is written by ‘Freaks and Geeks’ alum, Jason Segel (think Seth Rogan only taller and more charming). The premise may sound silly, and at the same time slightly stupid (you might be asking yourself, “Why would he want to go on vacation alone?”/“Why doesn’t he just find another hotel?”), but what is a frat pack movie without silly and stupid?

The only suggestion I have for those who enjoy nitpicking at movies with little to no substance is to just not analyze anything about it! Yes, there are scenes that completely contradict each other, and characters that are not fully developed, but the point of ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ isn’t to bring the audience an Oscar-worthy cinematic masterpiece (no offense, Jason), but to bring genuine laughter to the home front instead.

This is a great date movie (just make sure you’re prepared for the full monty), and an even better remedy for those whose winter depressions are still lingering on well into the Springtime.

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