Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Peter Bretter (Segel) has a very hot girlfriend. She is called Sarah Marshall (Bell). Sarah Marshall is a very famous television star. Peter is less hot but composes the music for Sarah’s show. Peter likes to sit at home eating cereal out of giant bowls. Sarah enjoys having sex with Aldous Snow (Brand), a world famous rockstar. You can see how this is going to end.

The break up is harsh but hilarious, mainly due to Jason Segel’s well timed nudity. A motif you may or may not be glad to hear makes frequent appearances throughout the film. But the heartbreaking fun does not end there, oh no. To recover from being ditched whilst naked and then crying like a baby, Peter decides a holiday is in order, but… and here is the good bit… so does Sarah Marshall. With the stunningly promiscuous Aldous Snow always in sight and hotel receptionist, Rachel (Kunis), providing an attractive shoulder to cry on, Peter finds himself face to face with the agony of starting over and with his ex in the bedroom next door.

What makes this film is the casting. Jason Segel is not your typically handsome, toned male star and definitely not a classic heartthrob. He has a belly and bad hair but also a personality that combines the sheer pathetic with bad luck. You are left with pure comedy value. Then there is a bit of British eccentricity with Russell Brand, who, in his first major film role, essentially plays himself. Highlights include a master class with Brand on sex by simulating with chess pieces and then there is his very own sickeningly cheesy music video. Kristen Bell plays the sweet and neurotic girl next door – literally – very well and Mila Kunis plays spontaneous even better. There is also priceless comedy from the other vaguely deranged and obscure hotel guests and staff. The bizarre community spirit starts to change how Peter sees his future and makes your face ache in the process. This is the only film screening I have attended that has ever received a round of applause at the end and it was definitely deserved. You’ll be reliving it and laughing inanely to yourself for at least a week afterwards, I can guarantee it.

Ella Walker