Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

This was a refreshing surprise. Quite hilarious at some points, not so funny in others but still refreshing and the cast does a good job.

Entertaining romcom marred by incongruent porn-ish elements

RELEASED IN 2008 and directed by Nicholas Stoller, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" is a romcom starring Jason Segel as Peter, a genial musician from Los Angeles who composes music for a popular detective show, which stars his hottie girlfriend, the titular Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell). After she breaks up with him he vacations at a resort in Hawaii where, unexpectedly, his ex & her rock star beau (Russell Brand) also happen to be staying. Mila Kunis plays a concierge at the resort who takes interest in Peter.

This is a compelling, amusing romantic comedy with Segel likable as the protagonist and Bell winsome and charismatic as his ex. Brand is great as a Jim Morrison-like rock god who doesn’t drink; the way he performs on stage is laugh-out-loud funny (poking fun at rock stars). The resort locations are a highlight and the story is sprinkled with several notable guest stars (Bill Hader, Jack McBrayer, Maria Thayer, Taylor Wily, Paul Rudd, Da'Vone McDonald, Jonah Hill, etc.).

Unfortunately, there are several NC-17 (aka porn-ish) scenes that I wasn’t expecting since the version I watched was supposedly rated ‘R.’ I’m talking about several scenes of simulated sex, including one involving fellatio, as well as full-frontal male nudity right out of the gate (Seriously?). I basically ignored these scenes or rolled with them and laughed. I’m sharing this info for those who don’t care to see a movie mixed with nigh-porn elements.

THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour 51 minutes and was shot in O'ahu, Hawaii, and Los Angeles, as well as studio work done at Universal City, CA. WRITER: Jason Segel.

GRADE: B but basically ruined (for me) by the porn aspects, so really ‘D’