Comedies generally aren't very good. They're usually dumb, with poor acting, no story whatsoever and packed with unrealistic clichés. Forgetting Sarah Marshall, though, is not. It breaks the mold formed by most comedies, which rely solely on making jokes, then squeezing in a story. FSM does the opposite; it composes a beautiful and EXTREMELY realistic story of heartbreak, loss, and recovery and then fits in splashes of comedy that is much more hit than miss.
One of the most amazing things anyone who's been through the protagonist's situation is that the movie's is very, very real. All the emotions and events and stages involved in breaking up and finding someone else, along with the jealousy ensuing from the dumper, the change of feelings, of heart, everything is just so accurate and true to real life it's as if director Nicholas Stoller is taking events from his own life (or maybe mine). Not to mention that it doesn't rely on 'jokes,' like most comedies, and isntead feeds off of the truths about life and relationships. It's one of the most honest movies I've ever seen, and offers a picture into the soul of many people around the world right now.
For all of its brilliance, it does miss on occasion. Jonah Hill, who's become a house hold name since Knocked Up, wears out his welcome after his second appearance, and becomes annoying and unfunny, and feels like he's only adding star value that the movie doesn't need. The movie itself is also a little too long, but this is easily forgiven as the characters are so well developed that it's worth it. Russel Brand, who plays Aldus Snow, is brilliant. His character, a parody on British rock stars, is a hilarious portrait of comedy and realism that will be quoted and remembered for years.
Stoller's film is a triumph. It's one of the most realistic comedies ever created, and hits home on a subject many have gone through and develops its characters better than most dramas. It doesn't need to be funny to be a fine film, but the comedy sprinkled throughout adds a thick icing to an already amazing cake. What Forgetting Sarah Marshall ultimately proves and achieves is that a great comedy can also just be a great movie.
Score: 9/10
