This movie had 3 people I like that were involved. Star and writer Jason Segel, co-star Kristen Bell, and producer Judd Apatow. The result was a very entertaining comedy, with the usual Apatow serious scenes that make the story meaningful.
The premise and plot are nothing original for a rom-com, but the execution was very good. Jason Segel was funny as always. I’d only seen him as part of the cast in How I Met Your Mother, but I was glad that he also worked as a lead in a movie. Kristen Bell did a nice job as Sara Marshall, though she doesn’t exactly shine. But she did have a great moment later in the movie.
But the surprise for me was Mila Kunis. She’s obviously pretty, but she felt so natural in this movie, at times I felt I was watching a home made film where people are just themselves, instead of acting. The way she encourages Peter to go up on the stage and sing his Dracula play (ridiculous but funny concept) felt completely natural and genuine.
Another big part of the comedy came from Russell Brand, who at first looked like a complete idiot, but as the movie goes on you start to like him and even think he’s cool.
That’s true for Sara too. She is supposed to be the bitch that we don’t like, and there are scenes where she’s portrayed as a bitch. But I didn’t hate her that much, especially after she finally talks to Peter and tells him why she left him. I thought that was the emotional peak of the movie. That scene really grounded this story in reality, making me understand her side too.
There are the usual Apatow regulars with small roles. Paul Rudd was ok here, not too funny. Jonah Hill was actually not too bad, I think he works better as a supporting role instead of the lead.
The ending is probably typical of a rom-com, but strangely I was already satisfied by the emotional peak between Sara and Peter. The final scene was just expected. Overall a very good comedy, probably my favorite this year.
Rating: 3.5 Stars