Jason Segel: The Funny Years

Forgetting Sarah Marshall, which I review for the next NR, is something of a dud - it's a rare case where I agree with David Denby's assessment - and the mediocre work turned by Jason Segel, in particular, is a textbook example of why some supporting actors shouldn't be handed leading roles. (Or allowed to write their own movies, for that matter.) But Vulture's here to remind us that when Segel isn't trying to be something he isn't, he can bring the funny.

Comments

Gee why is Sarah Marshall a dud? Isn't it about a quirky teenage girl who gets pregnant, but manages to escape every possible consequence. Her parents-understand and are one hundred percent supportive, Her friends- not freaked out in the least, Her school- surprisingly uninterested, Her boyfriend- Well kind of an empty vessel, and she happens to find a wealthy couple that want to adopt her baby, even when they divorce. I mean how could a movie that so accurately portrays teen pregnancy in America be a dud?

No wait wasn't that your beloved pro-life Juno?

Posted by MLP | April 17, 2008 10:25 AM

I liked Forgetting Sarah Marshall (I've had to forgo the italicized title here, as it isn't an option here.) A fan of Mr. Segel since Knocked Up, he added a particular element to the film that made him stick out in my memory to the extent that I later purchased the complete first season of How I Met Your Mother. He was adorable in the show and showed potential in the film.

What I admired most about Forgetting Sarah Marshall was that it maintained the heart quality of a really decent guy without so much of the ridiculous baggage that is brought about in like-minded films of such concept (read: Adam Sandler films, whom I know actually roomed with producer of 'Sarah' and directed 'Knocked.' It was sweet without being overtly syrupy, as Mr. Sandler's films tend to be, particularly toward the end of the film. What was particularly pungant for me about the ending was Peter fighting for the picture. That's men, people. They don't respond to things with words, but with actions. That is something a man would do, truly, not bring his father to court with some ridiculous statements a la Big Daddy. As a member of the audience, I can tell you that I appreciated said straight forward approach sans insulting my intelligence.

I further appreciated that there was no ridiculous climax about Rachel finding out about Peter's momentary fling with Sarah. It lead to a charming ending and I went home entertained, satisfied and even somewhat enlightened.

Posted by Katie | April 26, 2008 2:43 AM

I liked Forgetting Sarah Marshall (I've had to forgo the italicized title here, as it isn't an option here.) A fan of Mr. Segel since Knocked Up, he added a particular element to the film that made him stick out in my memory to the extent that I later purchased the complete first season of How I Met Your Mother. He was adorable in the show and showed potential in the film.

What I admired most about Forgetting Sarah Marshall was that it maintained the heart quality of a really decent guy without so much of the ridiculous baggage that is brought about in like-minded films of such concept (read: Adam Sandler films, whom I know actually roomed with producer of 'Sarah' and directed 'Knocked.' It was sweet without being overtly syrupy, as Mr. Sandler's films tend to be, particularly toward the end of the film. What was particularly pungant for me about the ending was Peter fighting for the picture. That's men, people. They don't respond to things with words, but with actions. That is something a man would do, truly, not bring his father to court with some ridiculous statements a la Big Daddy. As a member of the audience, I can tell you that I appreciated said straight forward approach sans insulting my intelligence.

I further appreciated that there was no ridiculous climax about Rachel finding out about Peter's momentary fling with Sarah. It lead to a charming ending and I went home entertained, satisfied and even somewhat enlightened.

Posted by Katie | April 26, 2008 2:43 AM