Viewer discretion for ‘Forgetting ...’

By Patrick Vincent
For the Times West Virginian

April 23, 2008 11:34 pm

— “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” is produced by this decade’s Midas, Judd Apatow. That alone should clue you in. You’re about to see honesty from the male perspective but still poignant enough to be appreciated by the girlies. And you’re about to see a fair share of raunchiness.
Viewer discretion is advised! Wow, that makes me feel important. Like I should be wearing a Viking helmet and yelling it with a megaphone or something. (I watch a lot of “Scrubs.”)
“Forgetting Sarah Marshall” starts with one of cinema’s most awkward breakups. Sarah (Kristen Bell), a beautiful new actress whose star is on the rise, is dumping Peter (Jason Segel, who also wrote it), a 6’4” sobbing mess. Adding insult to injury and quite literally showing Peter’s exposed emotional state — he’s 100 percent naked. And yep — they show “it.” In order to get over this devastation, Peter goes on a vacation to Hawaii. Guess who’s also vacationing in Hawaii ... in the same hotel? That’s right.
The DL: I laughed aheckuva lot in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” So much in fact, that I stopped myself at one point because I felt like I might be laughing too much (that ever happen to you?). Anyways, I had been warned that it was just so-so, which may’ve lowered my expectations and allowed me to enjoy the film more. Hmmm, maybe I should do the same thing to you guys ... a little reverse psychology. Nah, you’re too smart for that. Plus I already told you it was funny. Crap!
The supporting cast is terrific. Jonas Hill shows up as a creepy hotel employee. The guy who plays Sarah’s new rock-star beau is hilarious and Rachel, the hotel’s CSR who eventually becomes Peter’s rebound (Mila Kunis), is stunning.
My favorite part of the film was when they showed flashes of the relationship. At first, they are of all the great stuff, but as Peter gets over Sarah, they are of all the bad things. Pretty cool.
To the Parents: It’s rated R for just about everything except violence ... Wait — he does get beat up (not counting all the emotional sticks and stones he’s pummeled with) plus the gratuitous shots of Peter’s ... nether region. Kids? No way, Jose.
The Rating: If movies were running, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” would be streaking.
At Home: I’ve got two for you this week. One is for and one is against. For: “Lars and the Real Girl” came out this week. Very sweet and very weird. Against: “Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem” also came out this week. Save yourself some money; take a flashlight into a dark room, flip it around a bit and make noises. You’ll get the same experience.

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