Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Bookmark this pageForgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Director: Nicholas Stoller
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
Actor Jason Segel is no Adonis. We learn this from an early and already notorious scene in ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ in which the titular TV star dumps our hero, Peter Bretter, played by Segel (also the film’s writer), as he stands completely nude in the kitchen of their apartment, weeping and begging her to stay. And yet, despite his distinctly average-guy physique, Peter still manages to seduce (by my count) five exceptionally beautiful women over the course of the film.Because this isn’t the real world: this is producer Judd Apatow’s world, in which the crotch-scratching schlub is king and it’s only a matter of time before even the most glamorous females fall under his slovenly spell.
From its opening montage of slacker Peter mooching through an average day, ‘Sarah Marshall’ is textbook Apatow, replete with all the embarrassments and cringeworthy mishaps that audiences have come to expect. It sports a cavalcade of scene-stealing cameos from regular alumni like Jonah Hill, Bill Hader and, most memorably, Paul Rudd as archetypal surf-burnout Kunu. The fresh face is our own Russell Brand, typecast as self-absorbed, sex-obsessed but oddly lovable rock legend Aldous Snow, the unwelcome hypotenuse in Peter and Sarah’s love triangle.
The film’s major flaw lies in its narrative: Segel’s script was rewritten over an exhaustive 18 months, and it shows. Lacking a recognisable hook – like those in ‘Knocked Up’ or ‘40 Year Old Virgin’, the story tends to flounder. But ‘Sarah Marshall’ remains a film of glorious moments and memorable scenes, lovingly crafted characters and sparkling one-liners.
Author: Tom Huddleston
User reviews of this film
-
- loui said...
- Posted on May 01 2009 11:46 what an amazing film the story film was amazing so was everythin else abou this film hot actors and also funny wud love for anuva film like this to come out xx
- Report as inappropriate
-
- Claire said...
- Posted on Feb 21 2009 10:30 Shocking film!! cannot believe that you all seem so excited about a film that lacks story line, humour, characters and anything worth the nearly 2 hours I wasted of my life!!
- Report as inappropriate
-
- Renardette said...
- Posted on Dec 01 2008 21:10 Well, we got to the end, and there wre some funny moments, nad actually some excellent cameos, but the narrative is flaccid, and with out Russell Brand it would've been a bit of a washout.
- Report as inappropriate
-
- Mk said...
-
Posted on Aug 01 2008 22:09
I love this film!!!
Realy funny at times, definitely worth watching! I want to see it again - Report as inappropriate
-
- Danielle said...
- Posted on Jun 02 2008 15:48 This film was amazing! I watched it twice in 2 days and yes i do have a life but i went to the cinema again with someone different the next day i seen this film and was willing to see it again so they could see it. absolutly histerical and a must see in my eyes!!!
- Report as inappropriate
-
- James said...
- Posted on Jun 01 2008 14:01 The film has extremely funny moments (mainly starring Russel Brand) but the rest is filled with bad acting and bland and boring scenes. Probably not worth seeing even though enjoyed it.
- Report as inappropriate
-
- Holllliiieeee said...
- Posted on May 28 2008 15:10 funny,,romantic,, i thought it was strange but thats what made it interestinn xx
- Report as inappropriate
-
- dana said...
- Posted on May 27 2008 13:05 i loved this film its 1 ov the best things i have seen in ages :) u must see it
- Report as inappropriate
-
- JoJo said...
- Posted on May 27 2008 11:43 My boyfriend and I really enjoyed it!! wouldnt have chosen it, but the only late show and we were so pleased cos it was really funny. Go and see- very good.
- Report as inappropriate
-
- laura said...
- Posted on May 26 2008 15:58 hi i ant seen the film yet but looks gd the bits i have seen :) cant wait 2 see it
- Report as inappropriate
-
- ALiC3STASiA said...
- Posted on May 18 2008 19:26 OMG THIS WAS SO FUNNY ME AND MY FRIEND LAUGHED LIKE THE WHOLE TIME! WE THOUGHT IT WAS SO FUNNY WHEN HE SANG HIS DRACULA SONG AND WHEN AT THE START THEY BREAK UP AND HE DROPS HIS TOWLE!
- Report as inappropriate
-
- Andrew said...
- Posted on May 17 2008 11:54 Àbsolutely brilliant film, and way funnier than Superbad. Brand I thought was gonna ruin the film but he surprised all hate club with a decent performance. My advice go and see it and the dialogue will have you in stitches
- Report as inappropriate
-
- Bell said...
- Posted on May 13 2008 12:18 Brilliant. Loved every minute very funny... could easily watch again xx
- Report as inappropriate
-
- Jim B said...
- Posted on May 13 2008 12:16 good if you like a laugh!!! easy to watch very satisfied!!! p.s. dont watch in bruges- it is terrrible.
- Report as inappropriate
-
- rhi said...
- Posted on May 10 2008 11:33 this feel was the most funniest thing i have seen since zoolander,the producers of this film certainly have my sense of humour ,it was incredilbe,every two minutes there was a laughable moment,i cannot belive people have said it was a dissapontment,it was amazing and i cant wait for it to come out on dvd! im of to see it again tonight,hehehexxx
- Report as inappropriate
Cast & crew
Director: Nicholas Stoller
Cast: Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand, Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd, Bill Hader, Liz Cackowski full cast
Genre(s): Comedy
Rated: 15
Duration: 111 mins
UK Release: Apr 25 2008
US Release: Apr 18 2008
Most popular on this site
Top Stories
Has Michael Mann lost it?
Adam Lee Davies mourns the passing of a major Hollywood talent as Michael Mann's 'Public Enemies' sees the great director running on empty
Why 'Ice Age 3' is really for adults
Tom Huddleston takes a look at a selection of films which bring adult problems to a pre-teen audience
Is this Summer 2009's best film?
The French filmmaker Claire Denis speaks to Dave Calhoun about her new film, '35 Shots of Rum', a tender portrait of a father-daughter relationship in Paris
The Informant: trailer preview
Steven Soderbergh is at it again, this time with a screwball corporate caper starring Matt Damon called 'The Informant'. View the trailer here...
Rudo y Cursi: interview
Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna talk to Time Out about their highly entertaining new comedy, 'Rudo y Cursi'
An open letter to Peter Morgan
Tom Huddleston penned an open letter to Peter Morgan offering some friendly dos and don'ts for the new Bond movie
Outdoor film screenings in London 2009
Derek Adams offers a guide to the best places to see films outside in London this summer
50 essential sci-fi films
With 'Star Trek' making serious waves, we thought it would be a perfect time to select 50 must-see sci-fi films
What do you think?
Post your review now