Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Rating:

* * *

Verdict:

Another sweetly irreverent relationship disaster film from the Judd Apatow stable.

Judd Apatow, writer, director,  producer,  is the undisputed king of irreverent romantic comedies.

The 40 Year Old Virgin

and

Knocked Up

specialised in crass sex talk and embarrassingly awkward moments - and did it well. But with

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

this is starting to get predictable and wear a bit thin.

FSM

is still refreshing as a romantic comedy. Its bawdy attitude helps you see past the genre's predictability. And unlike typical chick flicks, it's refreshing in that it focuses more on the male perspective on getting dumped.

Directed by newcomer Nick Stoller, it's written by Apatow and Jason Segel, who also stars in the lead role as a struggling musician Peter Bretter. He's's a nice guy and boyfriend to television star Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell). He's a bit sloppy and a little lazy, but he's good at holding Sarah's purse while she gets her photo taken on the red carpet.

When she announces she's dumping him and there is someone else, Peter's life crumbles around him. Initially, he tries to make himself feel better with one night stands, but after a nervous breakdown on the job (he composes the music for Sarah's cop show) he heads to Hawaii on holiday.

Unfortunately, that is where his ex is vacationing with her new boyfriend, British rocker Aldous (Brand).

Segel is like a less sophisticated Vince Vaughn, and is truly annoying as he cries his way through the beginning of the film, but like all nice guys he grows on you. He's another one of Apatow's boy-man characters who faces the dilemma of moving on with life and growing up, or remaining where he is. He's a bloke, but also an emotional mess and it's this mix of character which makes Apatow's work appeal to both females and males.

Basically,

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

is what you'd expect from Apatow and co.

It's a film with some home truths and offbeat characters in ordinary situations mixed with ordinary characters in offbeat situations. The laughs are there, but it's  a shame they're a long time coming.

 Francesca Rudkin

Cast:

Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Paul Rudd, J, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand

Director:

Nick Stoller

Running Time:

111 mins

Rating:

R16 (offensive language, sex scenes)

Screening:

SkyCity, Hoyts, and Berkeley Cinemas