At some point in the late 2000s, it seems like we all grew kinda tired of the Judd Apatow formula. Of the improv-heavy dialogue, the overlong runtimes, and the less-than-stellar track record of trying to infuse some forced drama. But while Forgetting Sarah Marshall is arguably guilty on the first two counts, I'd say that it largely succeeds in the genre-mixing department.
Probably helps that the movie's as cozy as it is. A lot of that comes down to the genial Hawaiian setting, as well as the remarkable supporting cast (particularly Jonah Hill and Paul Rudd), but I think it's mainly because Jason Segel provides a lot of heart. His script is full of warmth and sincere emotion, and he's a much more likeable lead than most of the funnymen from this time. Plus, the fact that his character is so depressed means that the bulk of the humour is actually pretty reserved - or at least reserved for a raunchy comedy with three separate penis shots.
I still have my Apatow-related issues with this movie (some of the romantic stuff isn't super believable, and the obvious ad-libs occasionally to get on my nerves [Bill Hader's gotta be the worst offender here]), but I was otherwise taken by its funny and unusually friendly manner. I would also pay to see that puppet Dracula musical in its entirety.
Grade: A-
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