Forgetting Sarah Marshall - B

Just released on DVD

Lawyer basically got it right in his theatrical review. This Judd Apatow-produced, Jason Segel scripted comedy is at its best when its supporting characters (such as Apatow regulars Paul Rudd and Jonah Hill) are allowed to improvise and riff on the situations. As the protagonist, Jason Segel is able to keep things interesting, which is no small feat since the character could have easily become a whiny cliché. Also surprising are the lengths Segel will go to show the world his bad habits as well as his junk . . .

Much has been written about the amazing ability for Apatow produced films to be both vulgar and heartfelt at the same time – and you’d think that territory had been mined clean in 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, and Superbad. But, I completely bought the impossible love story between Segel and Mila Kunis. I guess she’s been around awhile, mostly on TV’s That 70s show, but I’ve never noticed her until now – and I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

The odds of Segel staying in the same hotel as his ex-girlfriend Kristen Bell (and her new boyfriend, Bush-hater Russell Brand), walking past her room, then staying in the room next door are astronomical, of course, but it’s only a movie and you have to choose to go with it. I didn’t completely go with the Dracula puppet show at the end, but it gets points for originality. The full frontal male nudity seems like an inappropriate stunt, but it works when taking into account Segel’s inability to become aroused with his ex at the end. His body knows what his brain doesn’t – it’s usually the other way around. B

The DVD has hilarious extras with ad-libbed lines (especially from Rudd) and a funny gag reel.