Stars: Jason Segal, Russell Brand, Mila Kunis
Directed by: Nicholas Stoller
Reviewed by: Adam Mast, Zboneman.com
Grade: B+

Judd Apatow is comedy gold. True, his Drillbit Taylor – which he produced for writer Seth Rogen and director Steven Brill – was pretty disappointing but given that it followed the likes of 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Superbad, and Walk Hard, how could it not be? Consider Forgetting Sarah Marshall a return to form.

In Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Knocked Up's Jason Segel plays Peter Bretter, an affable TV series music composer who falls to pieces after his famous girlfriend Sarah Marshall (played by Kristen Bell) dumps him. Raw and emotional, Peter heads to Hawaii to spy on Sarah and her new beau, a womanizing rocker named Aldous Snow (played by a hilarious Russell Brand). While there, Peter strikes up an unlikely bond with resort representative Rachel Jansen (played by the gorgeous Mila Kunis of That 70's Show fame).

Forgetting Sarah Marshall is extreme adult comedy and while it isn't quite as consistently funny as Superbad, it's every bit as charming. Credit screenwriter/star Jason Segel for mixing up the perfect blend of raunch and sincerity. This is also a very observant film capturing all the aches and pains that come with a dreaded break up. Segel the actor is low ley and extremely effective showcasing both vulnerability and a keen sense of comic timing. He's also fearless and more than willing to push the proverbial envelope, going so far as to...well...you'll just have to see for yourself. Whether he's singing a song from his all puppet Dracula inspired musical, or prancing around naked in his living room, Segel always hits the right notes.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall is filled to the brim with laugh out loud moments provided by an Apatow all star buffet of comedic talent including Paul Rudd, Jonah Hill, and Bill Hader, but it's Jason Segel who really keeps the film together. If we don't like him, then the movie falls apart. Segel is incredibly likable throughout and the rapport that builds between he and Kunis provides the film with a lot of heart. What's more, the movie never really vilifies Sarah Marshall. This isn't to say she isn't flawed, but Segel doesn't merely writer her off as a one note Jezebel. Marshall is a three dimensional character with just as many problems as Peter.

Forgetting Marshall ends on a predictable, "been there done that" note, but the moments that lead up to it are surprisingly unpredictable. In particular, there's a terrific dinner scene in which Peter, Rachel, Sarah, and Aldous engage in a somewhat uncomfortable conversation. There's honesty and a realistic ring to the dialogue, and that's one of the many things that sets this film apart from other recent comedies (like the similarly themed but unbearabe remake of The Heartbreak Kid). It goes far beyond the obligatory R rating. Yes, Forgetting Marshall is crass and extreme, but it's also uproariously funny and undeniably sweet.

On a side note, it's being reported that Jason Segel is currently working on a Muppet movie. I have no idea what we're in store for when this particular project sees the light of day, but you can bet I'll be the first one in line when it opens.