Forgetting Sarah Marshell (2008)

Anyone who stared on the tragically shorted live series Freaks and Geeks for creator Judd Aptow can now write a screenplay and he will produce it. At least that seems to be the rule from both this Jason Segal penned film, and last years Superbad, which was co-written by Seth Rogen. Fortunately in both cases the screenplays have turned out to be pretty decent, and the actor/writers behind them worthy of stardom. I’m glade to see Segal experiencing the success of staring in his own movie, though I suppose he has been doing pretty well for himself lately with the surprise hit sitcom How I Meet Your Mother. Segal is the great sad-sack comedian of our generation, witness his performances in the two tragic-short Aptaow series of the turn of the Millennium, Freaks and Geeks and Undeclared. A stocky ‘Travis Hawkley’ like figure there’s just something about his ability to play the victim of relationships that’s just endearing and brilliantly rendered, not to mention pretty funny.

In the film Segal is the musical composer for a CSI like television series who has just been dumped by the shows sexy star Sarah Marshell (played by contemporary ‘It Girl’ Kristin Bell). In an effort to get over this five year relationship Segal travels to Hawaii only to find himself staying at the same hotel as his ex and her new rock star boyfriend (a surprisingly likable Russell Brand). There a fetching Mila Kunis serves as Segal’s new love interest, and a repertory company of Aptowen character actors serve as foils to the four main players. There’s a little raunch, some good comedy, a lot of heart and a life lesson, a formula that’s come to work rather well for Judd and his crew. Warning: Hawaiian setting has me (temporarily) feeling that living in Idaho sucks, beware if you live north of Arizona. Four out o’ 5.