Forgetting Sarah Marshall Movie Review

Peter Bretter (Jason Segel, Freaks and Geeks) thinks he has it all with his hot celebrity girlfriend of five years, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell, Veronica Mars). Unfortunately for Peter, Sarah doesn't agree and in one of the funniest scenes in recent memory she breaks up with him. So begins Peter's journey to becoming truly happy which includes a trip to Hawaii where he meets and befriends the guests and staff of the hotel he's staying at

But of course there's much more to the plot than that, including a refreshing performance by Mila Kunis (That 70's Show) who plays Rachel, a new love interest for Peter and the receptionist at the hotel. Kunis' Rachel is the perfect opposite to Bell's Sarah. There's the obvious difference that one is dark and the other is fair, but there's more to it than that. Rachel is a laid back girl who cares about others while Sarah is very high maintenance and self centered, but still has her moments of sensitivity. Both actresses are wonderful in their roles and really help make the audience see Peter's dilemma in deciding whom he'd rather be with.

Segel takes on multiple duties in this movie. Not only does he star, but also wrote the script, some of which was taken from real life experiences. Now I don't know if these experiences were as funny when they happened to Segel, but he had me laughing until I cried at some of the things that happened to his poor character. He makes the audience really feel for Peter's character and everyone will be rooting for him by the end of the movie. How could you not root for someone who wants to write a Dracula musical with puppets? (Another great scene in the movie, believe me...it's hilarious!)

Although Segel is the obvious star of the movie, there are other great performances that shouldn't be overlooked. Paul Rudd (The 40 Year Old Virgin) shows up as a stoner surf instructor, and Jonah Hill (Superbad) cannot be forgotten in his waiter role. Russell Brand shines in his role as Aldous Snow, a full on rock star and Sarah's new boyfriend. I've not seen Brand in anything before, but I look forward to seeing lots more of this wonderfully engaging actor.