Breaking up is hard to do. The grief for what once was and longing for what might have been make for an agonizing experience the likes of which has inspired art for time immemorial. For Peter Bretter, that agony is made all the more excruciating by the fact that he finds himself bombarded with constant reminders of his colleague and ex-girlfriend. In 2008's hit comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall Peter embarks upon a series of uproarious misadventures that will teach him about life, love, and how to move on. For a comedy well worth remembering join Peter in his attempt at Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
The film begins with television composer Peter enjoying a five year relationship with rising starlet Sarah Marshall. He is seemingly living the dream as he manages to remain an immature slacker while still reaping the benefits of a long term relationship. His dream soon turns into a nightmare, however, when Sarah informs him that she's breaking up with him. Despite his best efforts to move on, his job composing for the series that she is starring in forces him to be constantly reminded of her. In an effort to escape his woes at home he takes a trip to Hawaii only to find that Sarah is staying at the same resort he is with her new boyfriend, rock star Aldous Snow, in tow. Things finally start to look up for Peter, however, when he begins a flirtation with hotel concierge Rachel.
The film takes the familiar slacker comedy and elevates it to relate a poignant tale that is every bit as heart warming as it is hilarious. Rather than limiting itself to either celebrating or condemning its slacker hero the film instead follows him on a journey of self-realization and self-improvement with plenty of laughs along the way. As a result, the film remains relatable and grounded even at its most outrageous. The focus upon Peter's growth also lends emotional weight to the proceedings which ensures that viewers will invest in the story. As a result, viewers will laugh with rather than at the characters and root for them through every misadventure. The film also succeeds in its refusal to relegate any of the characters to stereotypes. While Sarah easily could have been reduced to either a scheming starlet or angelic heroine she is instead portrayed as a complex woman struggling to come to terms with the fleeting nature of fame. Similarly, Rachel is far more than a free spirited flake and her personal journey is every bit as engaging and satisfying as Peter's. Finally, even the larger than life lothario Aldous is never reduced to caricature as he reveals himself to be not the devious villain Peter envisions, but instead brutally honest and entirely likeable. Despite slating itself as a slacker story Forgetting Sarah Marshall proves itself to be a surprisingly ambitious and utterly satisfying romantic comedy.
Peter's adventures in life and love come to hilarious life thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Jonah Hill shows his versatility in his endearing turn as waiter and aspiring musician, Chuck. Kristen Bell portrays Sarah with allure and ambition. Mila Kunis shines in her delightful turn as Rachel. Russell Brand expertly spoofs his own persona in his charismatic turn as new age hedonist Aldous. Jason Segel proves himself to be a worthy, if unconventional, leading ma in his depiction of Peter's journey from immature but well intentioned man-child to self-aware and mature man.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall ranks as one of the few romantic comedies to truly balance romance and humor. Through its by turns sentimental and slapstick script the film offers one of the most original and satisfying viewing experiences in recent years. The brilliant work of the cast brings each of the characters to whimsical life. After one viewing you'll be hard pressed to try Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
No comments:
Post a Comment