Forgetting Sara Marshall– 2008

***½ Out of ****

The “Apatow” style comedy (for lack of a better characterization) is the biggest thing in comedy today. Despite have only directed two feature films, production companies are tacking his name to everything he is even remotely involved with, with the hopes of sucking as much money out of the money sponge as possible; and it thus far been successful. Along with this rein, begins the coming of the “Apatow Gang”, which is duelling with “The Frat Pack” (although can be subject to additions, alteration and omissions depending on the person you talk to) is generally is comprised of Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd, Bill Hader, Leslie Mann, Jason Segel and to a lesser extent Will Farrell and the SNL gang; A very talented group of comedians to be certain, and almost always produce high quality movies.

This string of successes, save Drillbit Taylor which really had minimal ties to the Apatow name, lends to a similar formula and unmistakable style of humour, but the latest venture, Forgetting Sara Marshall, embarks on a strangely different path. Still present is the raunchy sweetness we have come to love, but director Nicholas Stoller has indefinitely added his create touch to the process and made an at times heartbreaking, but raunchy sweet comedy. It is almost as if Stoller took the two elements of an Apatow formula (raunchiness and sweetness) and supersized them, into a gross out chick flick of sorts. (Don’t worry guys, you’ll like it too)

We meet Peter Preter (Segel) who is in a loving relationship with Sara Marshall, played by Veronica Mars herself, Kristin Bell. They work together on a crime show, (Which is a CSI parody, that comprises the films funniest moments thanks to Billy Baldwin) Sara the star, and Peter the music composer. When he is dumped, he is left wide open and exposed (literally, thanks to the hyped nude scenes from Segel) and carts off to Hawaii to cope. Unfortunately for Peter, Sara has run off to the tropical paradise as well with her rockstar fling Aldous Snow, played deliciously by Russell Brand. Trying again to recover, he falls for a beautiful hotel hostess played by That 70’s Show star Mila Kunis. Kunis completely drops all stereotypical elements that may have been associated with her role on the hot show, and give a sweet and charming performance.

The difficult element that is achieved in Forgetting Sara Marshall is that Stoller has allowed for sympathy to be transferred onto all the characters involved, including Sara and her womanizing love interest. They are mainly portrayed as a bitch and pig respectively, but there are moments of emotion and truth associated with all. We get good work as always from Paul Rudd as a stoned surf instructor, and Jonah Hill as a star-struck waiter and the collective comedic timing and unique touches Stoller brings all spit out a winning film.

One absolutely hilarious and original portion of the film relates to Peter’s dream, which is to write a Dracula musical; yes you heard right. The subsequent result is both hilarious and truly witty and is what distinguishes it from the bundles of comedies released every month. Not withholding the additional nude scene from Segel to add to its individuality.

With The Pineapple Express starring Seth Rogen coming out this summer, fans of Apatow pics should be praying for a repeat success. What is certain, is that this unique and undeniably entertaining brand of comedy is both what is needed in Hollywood, as well as something that will be looked back upon as a golden age of comedy. So don’t forget Sara Marshall, this summer season.

© 2008 Simon Brookfield