by Missy Thompson

STAFF WRITER

Judd Apatow is a busy man. He is also a very popular man in Hollywood. He hasn't directed a movie since last year's "Knocked Up," but he has been producing all kinds of projects, including the new hilarious comedy, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall."

Although Apatow didn't write or direct this movie -- which rivals the hilarity of "Superbad" -- it was written by Jason Segel, a long-time member of Apatow's circle of regular actors. Segel, who also stars in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," really got his start on the short-lived television show "Freaks and Geeks" which Apatow produced, wrote and directed. Now, Segel can be seen on the TV series "How I Met Your Mother."

It seems that no matter what type of film someone from Apatow's gang has a hand in, it succeeds. Even "Drillbit Taylor" had a definite Apatow feel. What is brilliant about "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," however, is Segel's honesty in his script. Everything seems natural, nothing is forced and no jokes are out of place. If anyone else had starred in this film, it wouldn't have been the same.

The comedy in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" is very similar to "Superbad," "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up." That should give you a clue right away if this type of movie is one you want to watch. Those who find the aforementioned films to be too raunchy, should avoid "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." I find the humor very real because so much of it is ad-libbed. This is a quality so many comedies are missing -- and what makes Apatow films stand out.

Many of the regulars who appear in Apatow's films show up in some form. Jonah Hill from "Superbad" is a star-struck waiter, Bill Hader is an unsupportive brother and Paul Rudd is a very quirky surfing instructor. Although this is the directorial debut of Nicholas Stoller, he collaborated with Apatow on the screenplay for "Fun with Dick and Jane" and wrote three episodes of another short-lived TV show, "Undeclared."

In "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" Peter Bretter (Segel) is on top of the world. He is dating television star Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell) and writes music for the show on which she stars. Things spiral downward after Sarah tells Peter they have to break up and she is seen with British singer Aldous Snow (Russell Brand). To get away from everything, Peter takes a trip to Hawaii only to find that Sarah is there on vacation with Aldous.

The receptionist Rachel Jansen (Mila Kunis) gives depressed Peter a chance to stay in one of the most expensive suites in the hotel -- which is usually saved for Oprah -- and Peter accepts. This starts a friendship that eventually blossoms to the point of Peter and Rachel hanging out together.

At dinner one night, while Peter is eating alone, Sarah and Aldous show up and invite Peter to join them. Although the situation is awkward, Aldous seems indifferent about the entire thing. Peter plays a song from a musical he is writing about Dracula, which he would want to perform with puppets, for Rachel. She finds this both silly and endearing, and pushes him to get it made.

Once Sarah sees Peter and Rachel hanging out, she thinks twice about her relationship with Aldous and has second thoughts about breaking up with Peter, which is something he has wanted all along.

The all-star cast in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" are all great comedic actors. The plot is original and funny because it plays off both Hollywood and unlikely relationships. Each performance is top-notch and Segel's script makes this one of my favorite movies of the year thus far. If you do decide to watch "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" your sides will be splitting from every hilarious scene -- which is pretty much the entire movie.

missy@tooeletranscript.com

Grade: A-

Rated: R

Time: 112 minutes

Opens Friday