DVD Review: Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Struggling musician Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) has spent six years idolizing his girlfriend, television star Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell). He’s the guy left holding her purse in paparazzi photos and accidentally omitted from acceptance award speeches. But when she decides to break up with him, Peter’s world falls apart. To clear his head and lift his spirits, he takes an impulsive trip to Hawaii, where he runs into the last thing he expects to see: His ex and her hip new British-rocker boyfriend, Aldous (Russell Brand), staying at his hotel. Even as Peter keeps running into the two people he is trying to avoid, he finds comic relief and support in his new-found hotel buddies, including a growing flirtation with Rachel (Mila Kunis), the beautiful resort staff employee whose laid-back philosophy inspires him to get back on track and rejoin the world. In the process, Peter discovers what makes him feel truly happy – his vampire musical project, a daring albeit unplanned dip in the ocean, and the pleasures of many, many fruity cocktails.

Review:
Forgetting Sarah Marshall is everything that it promises to be and more. Combining the perfect amount of romance, awkwardness, and vulgar humor, it’s a film that you can’t help but love.

Peter (Jason Segel) is a struggling musician who has lived in the shadow of his girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell), for the last five years. He hasn’t minded it though. He was head over heels in love with her, which is why he is absolutely devastated when she ends it. Over the next few weeks, he tries to move on but finds himself failing miserably at it. With the encouragement of his step-brother, he decides to take a trip to Hawaii to stay in a resort hotel that Sarah had raved about years ago. However, when Peter arrives, he realizes that he’s not going to have the alone time to reflect that he had hoped for. Sarah and her new rock star boyfriend (Russell Brand) are also staying at the resort. Uncomfortable and hilariously awkward moments ensue to make for one priceless vacation.

The casting was absolutely perfect from the amazing improv work of Russell Brand to the genius behind the film’s script himself, Jason Segal. And as a huge Veronica Mars fan, I have to say it’s great to see Kristen Bell in a role that is so different from that of her previous work, including her current role on NBC’s Heroes. I also really enjoyed the side story with the characters Darald (Jack McBrayer) and Wyoma (Maria Thayer) as the sexually inexperienced newlyweds.

I have the Collector’s Edition of the DVD. I highly recommend that version since it comes with two versions of the film (rated and unrated), a digital copy of the movie, and over 90 minutes of bonus features are absolutely hilarious. The bonus features have you covered too because when this movie ends, you’re going to want more. And more is exactly what is provided! We’re talking tons of deleted/extended scenes, audition footage, video diaries, gag reels, commentaries, and lots of featurettes. This is the DVD that all other DVDs should look to as far as extras. They’ve outdone every release I’ve seen this year.

This is a must-have for the comedy lovers who have enjoyed such films as The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up. Forgetting Sarah Marshall is one of best comedies in 2008, and it won’t disappoint. Don’t even bother renting it; this is one that you need to own.

Review by Emma Loggins

Grade: A
Official site: http://www.forgettingsarahmarshall.com/
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