#140RVW
Segel becomes leading man with his first screenplay & it’s a riot. Yes, raunchy, but also with great heart. Excellent deep ensemble cast…
What’s more:
Some actors are just charming. You just kinda want to root for them. They generally are character actors; they fill a certain need and for the most part either don’t have a lot of range, or more probably don’t get a chance to show it.
It’s nice, then, when a character actor becomes a lead. The rise of Judd Apatow (which may technically be classified as a movement at this point) has been a boon to some of these great guys who are not typical leading players, but now find their skills in great demand.
Jason Segel earns his shot, starring in a story he wrote based on a real-life breakup. His nice-guy persona and earnestness are entirely why this movie works so well. Yes, it’s funny as hell, but it might come off as mean-spirited with a different lead or writer.
In this he is helped out mightily by a very deep ensemble cast, nearly all of whom could (and many will) anchor their own film. Mila Kunis appeared in a great many tv shows and minor film appearances before this, but becomes an “overnight” star here. Russell Brand may not be everyone’s cup of tea (sure not mine), but he wins you over with a lot of great lines delivered well. Kristen Bell probably has the most thankless job, needing to play it straight so much; she’s talented enough to make an unlikable character understandable.
Poster:
Trailer:
Bechdel Test:
FAIL