Judd Apatow takes the sexual hijinks of guys-night-out cinema and bitch-slaps it with chick-flick emotionalism, an unlikely combination, but it works.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:171
Fresh:143
Rotten:28
Average Rating:7/10
Consensus: With ample laughs and sharp performances, Forgetting Sarah Marshall finds just the right mix of romantic and raunchy comedy.
Australian Theatrical Release:
Apr 17, 2008 Wide
US Box Office: $62,725,000
Synopsis: Nicholas Stoller's FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL is a romantic disaster comedy produced by the same team that made such hits as THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN and KNOCKED UP, headed by writer, director, and... Nicholas Stoller's FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL is a romantic disaster comedy produced by the same team that made such hits as THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN and KNOCKED UP, headed by writer, director, and producer Judd Apatow. When he gets suddenly and unceremoniously dumped by his longtime girlfriend, television star Sarah Marshall (VERONICA MARS lead Kristen Bell), composer Peter Bretter (FREAKS AND GEEKS alum Jason Segel) is devastated. Miserably depressed, he seeks solace in tawdry one-night stands, but he is desperate to win Sarah back. On the advice of his stepbrother, Brian (SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE's Bill Hader), Peter heads off to Hawaii for a much-needed vacation, but he gets even more freaked out when he discovers that Sarah and her new beau, wild and wacky British singing sensation Aldous Snow (comedian Russell Brand), are staying there as well. Mired in sadness, Peter is befriended by hotel employee Rachel Jansen (THAT '70S SHOW's Mila Kunis), who encourages him to get back his life and pursue his own dreams, which include staging a Dracula musical with puppets. But Peter is blinded by his desire for Sarah even as he grows closer to Rachel and starts hanging out with some of the hotel's odder personalities, including Chuck (Paul Rudd), a drug-addled surf instructor, and Matthew (SUPERBAD's Jonah Hill), a drug-dealing restaurant worker obsessed with Snow. Segel, who gets fully naked several times in the film, wrote the screenplay, a sharp blend of comedy and drama, and is solid in his first major starring role. Stoller, making his feature-film directorial debut, gets the most out of his diverse cast and beautiful setting, especially Jack McBrayer and Maria Thayer as a newlywed couple having some bizarre sexual problems, and Billy Baldwin as Sarah's costar in the television show CRIME SCENE: SCENE OF THE CRIME. FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL is an outrageously funny yet touchingly sweet movie. [More]
Starring: Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand
Starring: Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand, Bill Hader, Paul Rudd, Jack McBrayer, Jonah Hill
Director: Nicholas Stoller
Director: Nicholas Stoller
Screenwriter: Jason Segel
Producer: Judd Apatow, Shauna Robertson
Composer: Lyle Workman
Studio: Universal Pictures
Reviews for Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Nope, the real reason "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" is so unforgettable is that its screenwriter and star Jason Segel ("Knocked Up" and TV's "How I Met Your Mother") lets it all hang out, both literally and figuratively.
Sure, the premise is contrived, as are most of the films from Apatow's production company. However, the human truths that emerge from these situations are rich enough to allow the vagaries of the plot. Segel lays himself bare here, especially during the
How can an out of shape man crying in the nude not be hilarious? It should be hilarious - it looked hilarious on the trailer.
Remember "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" when you're looking for the next enjoyable adult comedy.
The difference between Apatow and Hornby is that Hornby has written at least one compelling female character.
The trademark Apatow mix of pasty, media-addled boy-men and the gorgeous, gorgeous women who badger them into an imitation of maturity already feels dated.
[D]eftly mixes raunchy, R-rated comedy with an intelligent, humane look at the foibles of the heart that's almost like something out of an Eric Rohmer movie.
The formula dictates that Sarah and Rachel are props along the road to Peter's discovery of "true love."
a tender comedy that isn't afraid to use the word vagina, or to strip a man naked, literally and figuratively
‘Sarah Marshall’ remains a film of glorious moments and memorable scenes, lovingly crafted characters and sparkling one-liners.
A tropical sex comedy that’s a little unfocused, but Segal and co throw plenty of funniness at the wall - and most of it sticks.
Enjoyable comedy with a smart script and likeable performances from all four leads.
Like "Knocked Up" and "Superbad" before it, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" is a return to the rarest of adult comedies, one with a heart.
Latest News for Forgetting Sarah Marshall
January 08, 2009:
Broadcast Film Critics Name Critics' Choice Winners
The 14th Annual Critics' Choice Awards were given on January 8, 2009, to honor the finest achievements in 2008 filmmaking. A list of nominees follows below, with winners in bold: More...
December 17, 2008:
Academy Names 49 Eligible Oscar Songs ![]()
The 49 songs in the running for Oscar nominations have been announced, including 11 tunes from the "High School Musical 3" soundtrack. More...
October 01, 2008:
EW Looks Back on 30 Unforgettable Nude Scenes ![]()
The MPAA doesn't like it, but America has never been able to get enough of naked people on the big screen -- and Entertainment Weekly has honored our fondness for flesh with a... More...
September 29, 2008:
RT on DVD: Dark Knight DVD Details and Iron Man Deleted Scene!
News of The Dark Knight's December release leads a huge week for DVD lovers, and it's only getting bigger! First, check out our exclusive extended Dubai deleted scene from Iron... More...
More Movies
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 70% 70% | Where the Wild Things Are | 03/12 |
| 83% 83% | Paranormal Activity | 03/12 |
| 89% 89% | Zombieland | 03/12 |
| 77% 77% | The Informant! | 03/12 |
| | The Strength of Water | 03/12 |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall at Rotten Tomatoes
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall at IGN
Fresh Links
Featured

Tim Burton's costume designer talks to Movieline about her long collaboration with the filmmaker and Johnny Depp.

The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox

We've got 20 copies of the hit TV series' Pilot Episode to giveaway.

Double passes up for grabs to the new comedy starring Paul Giamatti.

Get all the latest movie updates, reviews, interviews and features here.
Competitions

Enough Prequel, Original Trilogy and Family Guy DVDs to fill a space cruiser

Everything from Dr. No to Quantum of Solace could be yours.

We're giving away the 10th Anniversary Blu-ray, plus Braveheart and the Rocky collection



Top Critic

