Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

Home | All Reviews | Festival Courses | Film and Media Studies | SBCC | | Log in

1. Jenna Finch 09.13.09 / 3pm

   The film Forgetting Sarah Marshall, in my opinion was a great comedy. Comedy is my favorite genre of films, so maybe that is why I enjoyed the film so much. Or maybe it was because I thought it was a hysterical, not your typical love story gone bad. I loved how the woman was the famous, hard to get one for a chance and how the man is chasing after her. I also really enjoyed how the movie didn’t end up like you would expect. You would think Sarah and Peter would get together in the end, but what actually happened was Sarah was left alone and Peter and the hotel girl, Rachel, got together. Overall I thought it was a creative romantic comedy that was very entertaining and funny.
2. Kaylie Reynolds 09.15.09 / 5pm

   I thought the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall was a complete crack up. The relationship twists and conflicts create a great amount of drama that isn’t over done but instead remains extremely comical between all the sexual humor and random remarks. I also think that Jason Segel and Russell Brand playing such opposite roles while fighting for the same girl brings a lot to the film. It’s not the classic geek vs. jock high school scenario, it steps it up to a whole new level that does nothing except make you laugh. I’m a big fan of comedy’s and this one isn’t one you can only watch once; It’s definitely worth watching at least a few times.
3. Jamie Netznik 09.19.09 / 12pm

   I can see where you’re coming from with a lot of your review. As a film critic, no, this film wasn’t that great. As an Apatow fan, this movie achieves it’s goal. With not as many one liners as Step Brothers, or Pineapple Express, this film offers more in the way of substance and story line. Again, for an Apatow film, the target audience isn’t your film critic, but rather your average college aged student looking for some laughs. The casting of Russell Brand was perfect for this film too. He is newer to the American scene, and especially for an Apatow film known for casting close to the same cast members over his past few films. Brand’s character was so absurd, and worked really well against Segel’s. I would recommend this film. Not for its aesthetics or genius, but rather for its laughs.
4. Chelsey Peck 09.22.09 / 1pm

   The film Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a hilarious romantic comedy that kept me very entertained. Jason Segel’s bravery was often noticed when his full frontal nude scenes shocked me and made my boyfriend’s mother blush. I love the awkwardness of all the characters and the relationship hardships. The high surfer instructor, Paul Rudd, added some silly wisdom to Jason Segel’s character’s girl problems. Any awkward situation like trying to gain closure over one’s relationship and ending up stranded on an island with them and their significant other, is a funny story waiting to happen! I recommend this movie if you are looking for a good laugh.
5. Nick Snyder 09.23.09 / 6pm

   Forgetting Sarah Marshall is one of the best comedies that have been made in the last few years. Jason Segel plays his character, Peter Bretter, perfectly. He plays a guy who has been recently dumped by his television star girlfriend who is quick to go back out to the dating world as Segel grieves. My favorite character in this movie, however, is Paul Rudd’s surf instructor. It is a role unlike anything that I have seen him do before but he nails it. He plays a stupid but witty surf instructor who is high 100% of the time. This movie is hilarious and I recommend that everyone see it as soon as possible.
6. Decilia Fernandez 09.26.09 / 9am

   This film wasn’t the best movie I have ever seen, but it definitely made me laugh. Throughout the movie, Segel does a good job of conveying his heartbreak over Sarah Marshall. He reminds me of Vince Vaughn, but in a better and different way. He is funnier in I love you man, but he still gives a good performance here. I think it’s unique when he makes a musical for puppets. This is showing how he uses humor to get over his broken heart. also, Paul Rudd does a nice cameo as a surf instructor and it is really refreshing to see him take on new roles that are different than what he has ever done before. in addition, Jonah Hill (the waiter) is so funny and obsessed with Aldous Snow. This movie was very over the top in some parts, but it was really funny overall. The only negative thing i have to say is that Kristen Bell doesn’t compare to the other actors in the movie, especially Mila Kunis who is the girl-next-door type who is perfect for Segel’s character.
7. Xenia Kolpakova 09.30.09 / 7pm

   “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” was an interesting film. The reason why I saw it was because how it advertised was. I got curious and wanted to see more. Even though I like comedies, and I enjoyed watching some of parts of the movie, I think “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” was a little bit too crazy. I agree that this movie had too many extreme scenes and was extravagant. It was a great storyline, but a little bit too long. All in all I enjoyed the movie because it was very funny from the beginning to the end. I also liked the actors and the setting.
8. Tommy Pastalka 10.05.09 / 6pm

   I enjoyed the movie “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” a lot although the movie is really just a basic comedy without much else to it. Don’t get me wrong though because it doesn’t advertise being anymore than that and it really does a good job of delivering easy going, simple and light hearted laughs. The overall movie is rather predictable but the alternative ending in which Peter Bretter avoids making the same mistake twice and heads off the lust for his ex for his love for his newfound girlfriend is predictable but also satisfying. The beginning of the movie includes a few scenes that are rather extreme and depend on shock humor to garner laughs through the flat spots of the movie. Also, the personality of Peter Bretter is just too sad and unmotivated to want to connect with. Having a hard time connecting with the main character took away from the movie but didn’t cost too many laughs, either. All in all, if you’re looking for a movie that you really don’t have to pay any attention to and can tune in for a laugh in the middle of the movie, this is the movie for you. Be warned though, acting like Peter Bretter (sloppy, unmotivated, and unhealthy) will never be a good way to pick up any girl, of any status, ever.
9. Nicole Draeger 10.10.09 / 12pm

   I think “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” was very funny. I love these hilarious movies that are kind of simple but just make you laugh. I wanted to watch the movie because of Mila Kunis. She is awesome in “That 70’s show” and I really liked her performance as a hotel clerk who tries to cheer up Peter who got dumped by his girl friend Sarah. I also loved Russell Brand as rock-star “Aldous” who gets together with Sarah after she dumped Peter. All four characters, Sarah who seems to be too spoiled, rock-star Aldous, sweet Rachel, and devastated but cute Peter are an awesome ensemble in this movie. All together, this movie is funny and I believe worth watching.
10. Brian Powers 10.12.09 / 2pm

    This film was an absolute crack up. I enjoyed it very much as the humor was not completely outrageous and obvious in many scenes, but rather dry and subtle. The movie was jsut as you would have expected, nothing voer the top, juat plain fun humor. I thought the film did an excellent job at making the akwardness of Sarah and Peter staying right next door to each other become a hilarious situation ultimately benefitting Peter in the end. The film neevr tired too hard and kept the humor at a basic level without any over the top scenes. If your looking for intense drama and connection to the charcters, this film really won’t give you that. It is jsut a simple good laugh worth a watch.
11. Katelyn Hansen 10.14.09 / 8pm

    Loved this film. I found it amazingly entertaining even the third time around. It’s a comedy you get one-liners and repeat later to friends who have seen the movie, and still find it funny. I thought Russell Brand did an amazing job portraying his character. In my opinion he mad the film. I love how it’s always the same group of guys in all these newer comedies that have come out since 2000 like knocked up, Superbad and 40 year old virgin. I’m looking forward to the next film featuring all these great actors.
12. Frederick Russell 10.15.09 / 4pm

    I disagree with some of the reviewers claims about “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” not being utterly hilarious. I thought the film was brilliant in it’s depiction of the entertainment industry. funny joke after funny joke. Even though I disagree with the guy, this review is an actual review and a pretty good one at that. He only spends little time going over the plot of the film and spends most of his time delving into his opinion. I liked the review a lot because of that. Also, it seems as if though this reviewer went into the film expecting a bad movie because of his dislike of John Apatow films. I think Apatow is reminiscent of a lot of comedy writers from the 80s which I definitely miss. I was getting desperately tired of Will Ferrell.
13. Ashley Schu 10.15.09 / 5pm

    I absolutely loved this movie. I that the humor was classic as well as timeless, and although it was only appropriate for older viewers, for there was some nudity and crude language, it was still a great film. Peter and his brother, as well as Sarah’s boyfriend are my favorite characters in the film. They are hilarious, but in an awkward way that makes them relatable to viewers. My favorite part is when Peter is about to jump off the cliff but at the last second decides not to and ends up rolling half way down it.
14. Kevin Cox 10.16.09 / 12pm

    The film Forgetting Sarah Marshall was an exceptional comedy in my opinion. It has many special qualities to it. For one the star of the movie Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) is also the writer of this comedy so he is able to portray his part perfectly. This also isn’t a typical comedy, it is something new and fresh into the world with a interesting and raunchy story-line. I loved this movie, I believe it was hilarious through out the movie and it wasn’t just the main characters that were funny, it was everyone, even the small roles had funny lines.
15. Blair Bennett 10.16.09 / 5pm

    Forgetting Sarah Marshall was a great movie. It was extremely funny and a great comedy. I do no think it was knee slapping hilarious, but it was definitely a funny movie. Nicholas Stoller directed this film in a great way because it is not a traditional comedy. It is directed at an older audience and actually brings up some what of a deeper story line, a relationship. The main character in the film, Peter Bretter, is absolutely hilarious. He is just so goofy looking but yet tries to be serious at times. I also thought the whole depiction of Sarah Marshall’s tv show in the movie was so funny. But, in my opinion, the best part of the movie was Sarah’s new bf. He was so crude and was unbelievable hilarious.
16. Breann Dengler 10.16.09 / 9pm

    Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a landmark comedy. It conveyed every bit of empathetic drama without sacrificing comedic elements, making it a refreshing experience. The characters were incredibly realistic helping all the wacky unbelievable turn of events to remain believable. From a filmmaking standpoint, the film was crafted with utmost realism hiding any bit of formalism, which allowed me to fully immerse myself into this fictional world developed by Nicholas Stoller and Jason Segel. I would recommend Forgetting Sarah Marshall to anyone and I hope it will remain a memorable addition to the romantic comedy genre.
17. Brooke Avila 10.16.09 / 9pm

    This is actually one of my favorite movies recently. I was laughing the entire time! Some of the humor was excellent! There were some scenes and lines that made the humor seem as if they were trying a little too hard, but other than that I was dying. It was a good storyline, wasn’t complicated but brought just enough to the screen to make us curious and leave us happy. It was a lighthearted film that and those are the kinds of films I love. Each individual actor brought just enough to the film, and played their roles excellent!! I recommend this film to anyone who likes comedy.
18. Michelle Agamata 10.16.09 / 9pm

    I really enjoyed Forgetting Sarah Marshall. It really surprised me that the main character got completely naked in the first scene of the movie. I thought it was so funny honestly. It really was one of those movies you could get funny quotes from. The cast that was chosen was perfect. They all compliment each other very well.
19. Kasey Johnson 10.17.09 / 12pm

    Forgetting Sara Marshall in my opinion was an alright funny movie. I love comedy’s. One thing I do like about this movie is that the ending isn’s suspected. The worst is when you already know the ending of a movie, it’s more creative and fun when it’s something you wouldn’t have expected. Peter deserved to be with Rachel and not the psycho Sara. He was better than her anyways. He is a really good actor, I like him a lot. I would recommend this movie to others.
20. Chris Frick 10.18.09 / 1pm

    I thought this movie was completely and utterly hilarious. Going into watching this film, I thought ito was going to be a wannabe “Superbad,” or “40 Year Old Virgin” on the subject of hilarity. But I just could not stop laughing in every scene. Also I love that the film follows the most hilarious relationship any two human beings could share with each other. It is an awesome film that gets back at the psycho and deranged ex-girlfriend and I congratulate the director on this one. Also the film had no problem with the unveiling of sex and the details that are involved. I really enjoyed this film and have watched it numerous times.
21. Deanna Daglas 10.23.09 / 5pm

    Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a romantic comedic film. In the beginning the characters get in a fight and immediately break up with one another. I automatically thought that the film would be a sad emotional film because of the break up, but it quickly turned into a comedy. I think that the actors that were used in the film were crucial. It was important to have a funny actor play the main character or else it would have been horrible. I also think that Sarah Marshall’s part was important as well. She needed to be distraught and confused and this actress did well playing this part. These two characters definitely pulled the movie together.
22. Hailey Peterson 11.04.09 / 8pm

    Forgetting Sara Marshall has become one of my new favorite films. I love that the comedy isn’t corny like other films such as Scary Movie. All the actors/ actresses did an excellent job playing their characters and not taking them too serious. Jason Segal’s character is so awkward but at the same time it makes his roll in the movie that much more funny. He pulls the naked scenes off very well even though your not really expecting it and his not the most active person he seems to be very confident. I also liked the love story aspect of it because it has a happy ending.
23. Lava Farmer 11.08.09 / 10pm

    I beg to disagree. I like the Apatow era films. I think that the humor is designed to please a different kind of audience than dodgeball. Frankly I loved Russel Brand’s performance. His awkward, forwardness is hilarious. As for the plot it was dumb, but it made for an amazing setting(the North Shore of Oahu).
24. Rea Seavey 11.10.09 / 12pm

    The only thing I can agree with you is about Segal being “the poor mans Vince Vaughn”. I can see where he lacks in the charming charisma that Vince holds in all of his dialogue. But I don’t think he is going for that same appeal. I don’t see why it’s so hard to believe that Segal’s character can’t get women or why you consider him a nerd. Every characters role, however small, fits perfectly with the flow of the film. This is truly a great comedy. Fresh and witty is the only way I can put it. Yeah it comes with the tag line “from the guys who brought you the 40 year old virgin” but its awkward use of comedy doesn’t allow it to fall short of real comic genius. In my opinion of course.
25. Chloe Jenkins 11.10.09 / 12pm

    I have to agree with the original review avoid this film at all costs! The plot lags and halfway through the film you feel like you’ve seen it before. The setting of the film is very beautiful but I think that’s the only positive! Russell Brand’s performance is funny but it might just stand out because of his British accent amongst the American ones. I find the Apatow films are either a real hit or miss with me, and this is sadly a miss. I give praise to Kristen Bell who plays her part really well dealing with two men and all the issues that plague the four main characters.
26. Dewayne Taylor 11.19.09 / 8pm

    Forgetting Sarah Marshall is one of the better romantic comedies thats been put out lately. I really enjoyed watching Jason Segel’s character develop throughout the plan and was relieved when he finally woke up and got over Sarah and realized how foolish he was the whole time. Kristen Bell executed her roll phenomenally and the whole cast put together showed a lot of charisma and connection-all together a must see and a great laugh.
27. Tamera Richardson 11.24.09 / 11am

    Forgetting Sarah Marshall (Nicholas Stoller, 2008): USA, was a movie that I can categorize as humorous! The writer for this movie did a great job creating this story. Its both realistic and funny. I felt this movie was able to aim towards a wider audience. It wasn’t a movie that only the girls would go to with there friends, but a movie that their boyfriends would seat through without rolling his eyes. The plot entertain both genders and all age groups all the way from the young adults to the older. Aside from the movie being so funny, I give an applause for being able to satisfy everyone
28. Ashley Soloman 03.04.10 / 11pm

    I heard that this movie was so funny and because i had such high expectations for it, i started watching it and i didnt find it that funny. I saw it and i barely even laughed. Russel Brand annoyed me alot in this movie and so did kristen bell. I thought this movie would have been better, but i just didnt think that the acting was that great. This movie was suppose to be a comedy but i literally didnt think it was that funny, i saw it twice and the first time i fell asleep. I mean most people thought it was so funny, but me on the other hand didnt have an interest and i wouldnt recommend it.
29. Beth Portesi 03.19.10 / 9pm

    I would give Forgetting Sarah Marshall one thumb up overall. Of course, people don’t go into movies like this and expect an award winning film. They go for stupid entertainment. Which is exactly what I took away from this film. The whole “vampire” singing was NOT my type of humor. But I definitely laughed out loud during many of the other parts. Which is what makes a movie good to me. I also thought that the advertising for the movie was really good. The billboards with “I hate you Sarah Marshall” without any explanation that it was an advertisement for a movie. (Only a web address.)
    Stupid humor yet good entertaining movie.
30. Nancy Cole 03.22.10 / 4pm

    Forgetting Sarah Marshall was one of the better comedies i have seen recently. Personally Superbad was probably my favorite. But Forgetting Sarah Marshall was pretty funny too. Peter was by far the most funny character in the film with Russel Brands character was a close second. It may not have been the most quick witted comedy but i still think that it had some moments that really stuck. It was painfully awkward seeing Peter interact with Sarah which im sure struck a chord with many people who have been in awkward situations with ex’s and such. I love the people who work at the hotel and how they help and support Peter. I also appreciated the male nudity because whenever there is nudity in a movie it is usually a women, its nice to see a man playing the naked person every once in awhile!
31. Alexis Warman 04.01.10 / 1pm

    Forgetting Sarah Marshal was is a good movie to watch on a Saturday night with your friends if you are not planning to go out. Its funny and the characters will make you laugh by the circumstances they are going through. Although the plot was not the most interesting off all, and it was also a little obvious as what was going to happen next, the movie was still very enjoyable. Everyone goes through the depression after breaking up with a boyfriend/girlfriend, but how horrible would it be if you try to get away from them and go to Hawaii for a vacation, only to find yourself in the same resort as your ex-girlfriend with their charming new boyfriend. The characters make you laugh through their experiences and comments, but especially the new boyfriend played by Russell Band who has the funnies songs as a dumb rock star that will just make you cry of laughter when you see the movie. It is definitely not the best movie or the funniest but it is a good movie to watch with some friends when you are in the mood to laugh a little.
32. Mckinlay Stone 05.03.10 / 11am

    I would have to agree with the film critic. I found that Forgetting Sarah Marshall was an awful movie. Yes, the film was comedic at some scenes, but overall the acting was not well played nor did I find the nudity at all appealing. The humor was clearly written for a younger audience due to its unsophisticated humor. The weak story-line and bad acting paired up to comprise a non-intriguing film. A loser guy gets dumped by his girlfriend, who later dates the popular rock-star stud. The plot had no originality. I would not recommend this film to anyone, unless you are forced to watch it by someone who has lack of taste in films.
33. Elisha Marin 05.07.10 / 7pm

    Wow, I must say I’m pretty shocked by the initial review of this film. I was expecting to read adoration but instead it was ripped to shreds. I believe it safe to say that this is the first time I’ve heard a negative remark about For Getting Sarah Marshall. This is definitely one of my favorite movies that I can watch over and over and not get sick of. The humor is original and works in greatly with who characters are. There are so many unforgettable quotes! I found all the flash backs entertaining. The editing of shots are on key. The setting is gorgeous. If ever asked to watch For Getting Sarah Marshall I am more than up for the offer.
34. Marcus Mitchell 05.07.10 / 9pm

    The movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall was screwball laugh out loud comedy. The storyline from the beginning with the relationship creates a great amount of drama to keep the audience laughing. One of the best scenes from these movies was when Jason Segal had to witness his ex-girlfriend new boyfriend sing a very sexual song in front of a live audience. The surfer instructor, Paul Rudd, added a great cameo to film and kind of ended up stealing a couple of scene. This film has the makings of becoming a memorable film, and is a classic already on my list.
35. Whitney Riles 06.27.10 / 2pm

    I loved this review. It was very witty and enticing and I loved the relation between the geeky guy who played Kristen Bell’s boyfriend and yourself. However, for the movie itself, I thought it was pretty funny. Not crazy funny, my abs are sore from laughing so hard, but I did get a laugh in here and there. I also really enjoyed the honeymooning couple that you mentioned. They brought some humor into the film and it definitely helped to enhance this comedy. In addition, I agree that Jason Segel is somewhat similar to Vince Vaughn but just a few notches below him in his presence and acting ability. Segel does put on a good show but honestly he’s not the best of the best. Overall, I think this film is a cute comedy, that’s easy to watch and gives you a few laughs.
36. Joe McGrew 07.16.10 / 9am

    I thought that this film was a great comedy. It constantly made me laugh. Jason Segal does a great job of playing his role as a kind of awkward man which, makes the story even funnier. All of the actors compliment each other brilliantly and it allows the film to flow very well. I had not heard anything negative about this film until I read this review. The plot was not very original but the cast gave it a boost and made it very funny. The humor in this film is very similar to many of Judd Apatow’s other films and if you did not enjoy those films the chances are you will not enjoy this film.
37. Timothy Dube 10.18.10 / 11am

    This film is a true comedy to the new generation. It was very witty and kept the audience laughing all the way through. Jason Segel put on a great performance. It is great to see an actor who can do a great television show (How I Met Your Mother), and still be able to handle the big screen. An all around solid actor. Mila Kunis really showed her skills playing the laidback, but very attractive new love found love of Segel. The true credit goes to the writers of this film. Although the actors did wonderfully, it was the funny dialogue that brought this film to its great stature. I recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a simple love story and a good laugh.
38. Jocelyn Rueda 11.05.10 / 8am

    This film was so funny! Comedy is truly my favorite genre of films and this one did not disappoint. I really did think that Sarah and Peter would end up together but I was shocked when Peter ended up with Rachel instead and Sarah was left by herself. I agree with Timothy that the credit goes to the writers because they were the one who wrote what the actors were going to say and they were the true geniuses in making us all laugh. I would recommend this film to anyone who loves a comedy and wants a good laugh.
39. Jennifer Soucy 08.31.11 / 3pm

    It may just be that comedy is my favorite genre or that I am a generally easy person to please, but I loved this movie. I thought that the story line was fantastic, having that the “perfect” celebrity girl ended up alone while the mess of a man ended up in a happy relationship, instead of the cliche of the two coming back together in the closing scene. I can easily see your point however, as just a viewer and not critic, I enjoyed it. I thought the cast was perfect and they incorporated good punch lines when needed. I am a huge fan of comedy, Apatow, and this movie. Overall I think everyone should see it for a good laugh, and not take too seriously.
40. Stephanie Fleming 11.18.11 / 10pm

    Forgetting Sarah Marshall wasn’t my favorite comedy of all time, but it certainly kept me laughing and held my attention. I enjoyed the actors that were cast, but I agree that the way they interacted in the movie didn’t seem to make sense. I have never heard of the Apatow film genre until reading this review, and I am now more interested in researching it. One needs to begin watching this movie with a whimsical attitude, knowing it is going to be silly. It seems to me as though it was meant to be seen this way. If nothing else, its a great late-night, college-style, easygoing film.
41. Alexander Burns 10.24.12 / 3pm

    I am not typically into comedy/drama films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall. I have seen a lot of bad romantic comedies. However, Forgetting Sarah Marshall differentiates itself from other romantic comedies because it truly is hilarious. The story seemed pretty realistic and the acting was good. Russell brand was hilarious in the film especially when he performed his song. The film never got overly serious but the story was never silly for too long. It was not predictable like other romantic comedies. Jonah Hill had a few great one liners. Overall it was rather original for being a seemingly commercial film. It lacked any real art cinema but the beautiful location of Hawaii made up for that a little. It is not the most memorable film but I enjoyed it.
42. Raine Sherwood 03.09.22 / 1pm

    Forgetting Sarah Marshall is exactly what I look for when watching a romantic comedy: easy laughs, a robust cast with familiar faces, and a tropical setting. Is the movie predictable? Yes, but still enjoyable. The film is set in Hawaii. The actors wear hibiscus button-downs and drink Pina Coladas with miniature paper umbrellas. The cinemaphotography has a warm, golden hue that makes the viewer feel relaxed and crave an island getaway. Jason Segel plays his typical role; the lovable slacker. His sarcastic jokes and a couple of crying scenes make the audience root for him, and we want to see his character grow into a more self-realized man. The end ties up all the gaps in the plot and has a happy, romantic ending. Although the film lacks sophistication, it is an easy watch and makes an excellent date-night movie for the audience that wants a good, cheap chuckle.

Home | SBCC | Class Schedule | Film and Media Studies

Contact: Prof. Nico MaestuCopyright 2007-23 Log in