REVIEW: 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' is a romantic comedy that's actually funny

"Forgetting Sarah Marshall" is, at heart, a romantic comedy, spiced with sex and bawdy humor. After five years, Peter Bretter's girlfriend, TV star Sarah Marshall, pulls the rug out from underneath him and tells him there's another man. After many attempts — and failures — to deal with things at home, Peter (Jason Segel) decides to take a trip to Hawaii.

What better way to get over his ex, right? Only one problem: Upon arrival, he finds out Sarah (Kristen Bell) had the same idea, but she's there with her new boyfriend. As expected, this scenario leads to many laughs.

"Forgetting Sarah Marshall" is produced by Judd Apatow, the same guy who brought "The 40-Year Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up" to the screen. It features plenty of Apatow regulars, such as Paul Rudd and Bill Hader. Rudd especially stands out in his small role, playing the part of stoner surfing instructor Chuck to hilarious perfection. Jonah Hill, best known for his role in last year's "Superbad," also brings plenty of laughs in his few scenes.

Segel, who also wrote the script, captures the perfect combination of humor and sympathy. Kristen Bell as Sarah and Mila Kunis as Rachel, the girl Peter falls for, are both good in their roles, although neither really stands out. For me, the funniest character in the whole film was Aldous Snow, the over-the-top rock star Sarah starts dating. He's portrayed by Russell Brand, who plays him as a total rocker cliche: sex-obsessed, full of himself and out to save the world with his music. His video is one of the funniest things in the whole movie.

All in all, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" accomplishes everything it sets out to do. First and foremost, it made me laugh, which is what any good comedy should do. It also tells a sweet love story without getting caught up in the predictability of so many romance movies.

For fans of Apatow's previous movies, it's a definite must-see.