I wasn't sure what to expect.  What I got was a pretty darn funny movie that managed to be somewhat vulgar, but never stepped too far over the line into overly-raunchy material.  In other words, it was a well-balanced movie that most adults will enjoy.

I'm talking about Forgetting Sarah Marshall, a film starring Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis and Russell Brand.   

Anyone who has ever been dumped can identify with the sadness, anger, and depression that Jason Segal's character, Peter, feels after Sarah (Bell) tells him they're over.  Especially since the breakup came as a complete shock to him.  Totally obsessed with thoughts of her, Peter can't seem to focus on anything else. Even having lots of meaningless sex can't seem to snap Peter out of his funk.  So he decides to take a Hawaiian vacation, in order to get away from it all.  But in the mother of all coincidences, he discovers his ex-girlfriend is there, staying at the same exact resort, with her new rocker boyfriend Aldous Snow (Brand).  His pride not allowing him to move to another resort, Peter stays there, having to deal with bumping into his ex at every turn.  Luckily he strikes up a friendship with one of the resort's employees, Rachel (Kunis), who does her best to cheer him up.

Along the way, we're treated to some very funny stuff.  Jason Segel wrote the screenplay, and I have to say he did a great job.  A lot of the humor is satirical - especially as it pokes fun at the media, with spoofs of a CSI-like television show, horror movies, musicals, pretty much anything is fair game in this movie.  In fact, Brand's entire character is one long pot-shot at a Brittish rocker persona. 

But there's also plenty of stuff that could definitely be called vulgar, and which might be offensive to some viewers.  Lots and lots of sex jokes, and even simulated sex acts with oversized chess pieces.   This movie also includes a whole lot of male frontal nudity.  Yes, I've seen far more of Jason Segel than I really needed to see. 

But once you get past the ridiculous coincidence that brings these people together, and the somewhat vulgar sexual references, what's left is really a delightfully funny movie.  With small roles by Jack McBrayer, Jonah Hill, and Paul Rudd adding to the comedic mix, the laughs keep coming.

Mila Kunis does a surprisingly good job as the straight-laced Rachel.  She is gorgeous, sweet, and a huge help to Peter as he struggles with his feelings for Sarah.  I was happy to see her step away from her self-centered role on That 70's Show, into something that does a better job showing her acting chops. 

The movie does a good job showing what can happen when relationships fail.  I have to admit, I felt Peter's pain.  I don't think it matters if you're a man or a woman - being dumped when you're not expecting it is painful, and can cause someone to go a bit off the deep end for a while.  I liked that Peter and Sarah do eventually sit down and have a real conversation, where we (and Peter) finally get to hear her side of the story.  The scene shows that every breakup has two sides to it, and I think it helps Peter to move on.

Overall, this is a funny movie that adults will enjoy.  Certainly adults who have been unexpectedly dumped, but have come out the other side wiser for the experience will find something to laugh at in this one.  But keep away if sex jokes and views of male genitalia aren't your thing. 

Recommended: Yes