Released on DVD and Blu-ray on 15th September 2008
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If there is such a thing, then writer/star Jason Segel has successfully delivered it: a guy’s rom-com. It starts with the doomed relationship and the comical, drawn-out heartache that follows, but cleverly reverses the roles, and toys with one of Hollywood’s well-trodden genres. It’s Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell) who possesses all the stereotypical male traits (lack of commitment, being unfaithful, sexually active etc) by dumping her loyal musician boyfriend Peter Bretter (Segel) when he becomes a burden on her flourishing celebrity career and lifestyle. Peter is an emotional wreck, sobs constantly, and relies on half brother Brian (Bill Hader) for a shoulder to cry on and some much needed advice. But this is a guy advice (or lack of it) that gets Peter nowhere he really wants to be — except in bed with a string of women in a flat full of Sarah Marshall memories. Cue Hawaii.
In fact all barriers come down, laying Peter bare, both emotionally and physically (literally), as we are surprisingly ‘treated’ to a totally nude Segel quite early on in the film when he’s at his weakest point, and at the end when he bares his soul in a new relationship. Seeing Segel in his birthday suit could cynically be thought of as the filmmakers going for shock value, but it is Segel, with hardly has the best of Hollywood physiques, who is being controversial by actually challenging Tinseltown’s norm of portraying female nudity on screen.
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This is a sexually-charged rom-com, so who better to play Sarah’s highly-sexed new boyfriend but real-life recovering sex/booze/drugs addict and ex-BB host Russell Brand. Brand plays ‘Aldous Snow’, a self-absorbed and uninhibited Brit rocker with a big heart and a lot of lovin’ to give. Brand comes across a bit stilted at first, but once the story evolves, and he is allowed to improvise a little, he carries off the film comedy role exceptionally well and is highly entertaining. Kristen Bell plays uptight and gorgeous well, but it’s Mila Kunis as free-spirited, fun-loving ‘Racheal’, a beautiful resort employee who adds even more phwoar to the proceedings.
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All in all, the new offering from the producers of The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up is another Apatow casebook comedy, although not on a par with the former, but comes complete with Apatow gang bangers, Paul Rudd, Jonah Hill and Bill Hader in tow. It’s a funny, flirty frolic in the Hawaiian sun with plenty of laughs, breathtakingly awkward situations and sun-kissed babes that, combined, keep both sexes entertained — something the Apatow brigade are now experts at.
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By Lisa Keddie
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Synopsis
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From the producers of The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up comes a comic look at one guy’s arduous quest to grow up and get over the heartbreak of being dumped — if he can only make himself start Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
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Struggling musician Peter Bretter has spent six years idolizing his girlfriend, television star Sarah Marshall. He’s the guy left holding her purse in paparazzi photos and accidentally omitted from acceptance award speeches. But his world is rocked when she dumps him and Peter finds himself alone. After an unsuccessful bout of womanizing and an on-the-job nervous breakdown, he sees that not having Sarah may just ruin his life.
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To clear his head, Peter takes an impulsive trip to Hawaii, where he is confronted by his worst nightmare: his ex and her tragically hip new British-rocker boyfriend, Aldous, are sharing his hotel. But as he torments himself with the reality of Sarah’s new life, he finds relief in a flirtation with Rachel, a beautiful resort employee whose laid-back approach tempts him to rejoin the world. He also finds relief in several hundred embarrassing, fruity cocktails.
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For anyone who has ever had their heart ripped out and cut into a billion pieces comes a hilarious, heartfelt look at relationships — featuring Paul Rudd, Jonah Hill, Bill Hader and Jack McBrayer. Part romantic comedy, part disaster film, Forgetting Sarah Marshall is the world’s first romantic disaster comedy.
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Film Facts
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Official Site: http://www.forgettingsarahmarshallmovie.com/
UK Release Date: 25th April 2008
Director: Nicholas Stoller
Writers: Jason Segel, Judd Apatow
Cast: Jason Segel (’Peter Bretter’), Kristen Bell (’Sarah Marshall’), Mila Kunis (‘Racheal’), Russell Brand (‘Aldous Snow’), Bill Hader (’Brian’), Paul Rudd (’Surfing Instructor’), Jonah Hill (’Matthew’)
UK Distributor: Universal Pictures International UK
Certificate: 15
Run-time: TBA
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Video on Real.com
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DVD Extra Clip:
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