FORGETTING SARAH MARSHALL (Rated R)

The Judd Apatow comic factory, churning out raunchy, bawdy comedies at a rapid clip, is at it again, this time with the inspired writing of a star pupil who apparently learned much from writer-director Apatow after stints in his TV series and “Knocked Up.”

Drawing on personal experience of failed romance, Jason Segel penned the script for “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and thereby became perfect for the starring role of the person victimized by the brutal heartbreak inflicted by the film’s titular character. As the film’s producer, Apatow has turned over the directing reins to Nicholas Stoller, a collaborator on many TV and movie scripts. Evidently, Apatow’s repertory company has the magic touch.

As the title implies, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” is about the painful heartache of a romantic split, in which Jason Segel’s Peter Bretter is devastated that his beautiful girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell), is dumping him.

This movie achieves, perhaps, the most awkward, yet funny breakup ever seen. Peter is just getting out of the shower at his home, when Sarah shows up. Expecting a daytime tryst, Peter drops his towel, revealing the full monty for all to see. Obviously, he was clueless about the real reason for her unexpected visit. As he refuses to put on clothes, the inevitable separation talk becomes increasingly uncomfortable and clumsy, but in a completely hilarious fashion.

In many ways, Peter and Sarah are a very unlikely couple. She’s a glamorous TV star on a crime series, one that is spoofed delightfully as a “CSI” type show in which she and William Baldwin are engaged in earnest sleuthing. A musician with a slacker attitude, Peter has been scoring the music for her hit TV series, thus he’s unable to completely shake any ties to the very appealing actress. He’s reduced to sitting around his house in the same pair of sweatpants and eating cereal from gigantic bowls.

After a fruitless bout of womanizing and a meltdown on the job, Peter believes that not having Sarah in his life may well destroy it forever. At the urging of his brother Brian (Bill Hader), whose advice is not always helpful, Peter takes an impulsive trip to Hawaii to clear his head.

Unfortunately, Sarah is already staying at the same swank resort hotel with her new flame, self-absorbed hipster and British rocker Aldous Snow (Russell Brand). Peter’s extended stay at the beach resort becomes problematic and discomfiting, especially since Sarah has all too many public displays of affection with the obnoxious rock star. Wallowing in too many fruity cocktails and hysterical crying jags, Peter torments himself with the reality of Sarah’s new shallow life.

Relief from self-pity comes in the form of flirtations with very pretty hotel desk clerk Rachel (Mila Kunis), whose laid-back approach tempts Peter to rejoin the world of the living. Rachel offers emotional support, and soon gets Peter to loosen up a bit with a few lively encounters with some of the locals, which don’t always go smoothly.

Deciding to take surfing lessons from Chuck (Paul Rudd), the typical stoner whose brain has been fried beyond repair, he flails away in the waves, enduring one mishap after another. Then, there are the strange run-ins with hotel staff, mostly with the creepy waiter Matthew (Jonah Hill) who’s anxious for Aldous to listen to his musical demo CD.

“Forgetting Sarah Marshall” delivers plenty of unforgettable comedy, generating laughter not just for Peter’s sad predicament but for the sarcastic banter that sometimes elevates the dialogue beyond the merely sophomoric. However, this being an Apatow production, the humor is not on the level of high-brow Noel Coward witticisms.

Despite the raunchy comedy and the shock value of Peter’s disrobing, this movie seems a whole lot tamer than “Superbad,” dwelling as it does on the Peter’s essentially sweet vulnerability. Still, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” pushes the boundaries, earning a well-deserved R rating.

DVD RELEASE UPDATE

There’s a TV channel for practically every taste. Just in case the Sci-Fi Channel doesn’t offer enough programming choices, Fox Home Entertainment has just released “Alien Nation: Ultimate Movie Collection.”

Continuing where the original television series left off, this DVD collection includes all five suspenseful sci-fi movies for the first time. These films follow the action-packed adventures of Los Angeles police detective Matt Sikes (Gary Graham) and his partner George Francisco (Eric Pierpoint), an alien fugitive slave who must, along with his brethren, struggle to assimilate into life on his adopted planet Earth, without sacrificing his own cultural identity.

The “Ultimate Movie Collection” kicks off with “Alien Nation: Dark Horizons,” when the fate of the entire planet is on the line as a Purist group develops a virus designed to kill all Newcomers. An abundance of bonus materials include gag reels, storyboards and photo galleries.

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.

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STREET KINGS (Rated R)

Film noir for contemporary times is the easiest description to put on the violent, gritty “Street Kings,” an exercise in the search for the darkest corners of the brutish, nasty landscape of urban Los Angeles.

This brutal action film has a fine pedigree in its creative team. Director David Ayer was the writer and co-producer for “Training Day,” notable for how it turned Denzel Washington into a real tough, troubled character. Moreover, the “Street Kings” screenplay is based on an original story by James Ellroy, who has made a name for himself by uncovering the dark side of Los Angeles in crime novels that were adapted for the big screen, including “L.A. Confidential” and “The Black Dahlia.”

“Street Kings” wastes little time jumping into the fray of the mean streets of the City of Angels. The conflicted, tortured central character is veteran LAPD cop Tom Ludlow (Keanu Reeves), who wakes up each morning with a seriously disturbed stomach and an almost insatiable desire to start sipping vodka from little airline bottles.

This is a guy living on the edge, tormented by his inner demons. After all, Ludlow finds life difficult to navigate after the sudden, mysterious death of his wife. At the film’s opening, Ludlow is flying solo in a dangerous sting operation with a nasty bunch of Korean thugs. Mainly, he’s in search of their hideaway, which appears to be the nerve center for the trafficking of drugs, guns and young victims of a sex slave operation.

In keeping with his apparent rogue status, Ludlow busts into the suspects’ abode with his guns blazing. He doesn’t bother with Miranda warnings or other niceties. But to make the crime scene look good, Ludlow leaves evidence behind that he acted in self-defense while rescuing some underage girls.

Meanwhile, his former partner, Detective Terrence Washington (Terry Crews), appears on the scene for the investigation and immediately suspects that Ludlow has something to hide. Before things get messy, Ludlow’s boss, Captain Wander (Forest Whitaker) steps in to back up his protégé.

Tension rises when it is apparent that Washington may have implicated Ludlow in unsavory conduct that has drawn the attention of Internal Affairs investigators. Soon, Ludlow finds himself being scrutinized by Internal Affairs Captain Biggs (Hugh Laurie), who grows suspicious that something rotten is happening. Biggs’ skepticism increases exponentially when Washington is gunned down in a liquor store by masked gang bangers. What’s worse is that Ludlow becomes implicated in the detective’s death because he was on the scene when the shootings occurred.

At this point, Captain Wander draws the wagons in a circle, getting members of his unit to help Ludlow clear his name of wrongdoing. For his part, Ludlow is troubled by the violent murder of his former partner, even though he had become a snitch. He sets out to find the killers, while others on the force seem too eager to hamper the pursuit of a serious investigation.

Even if he’s turned into a renegade cop, Ludlow wants to do the right thing, and so he teams up with young detective Paul Diskant (Chris Evans) to go after the truth. An investigation by Ludlow and Diskant takes this unlikely duo into the meanest neighborhoods of the city.

In the rough and tumble world of chasing down street toughs, Ludlow and Diskant hook up with criminal figure Scribble (Cedric “The Entertainer” Kyles), who guides them to a pair of very unsavory characters. Needless to say, the encounter with thugs leads to a blazing gun battle, which happens to be just one of many.

“Street Kings” thrives on a cavalier explosion of gruesome violence, somewhat reminiscent of “Training Day” and any number of brutal cop films where the constant bursts of carnage and bloodshed are palpable.

“Street Kings” is stoked by so much energy and thrills that there’s barely enough breathing room, and the obvious deficiencies of the plot are easily glossed over. But for action junkies, the payoff is just too good to care much about the absence of logic and reason.

DVD RELEASE UPDATE

There are “small films,” sometimes underrated or failing the attention of blockbusters, that demand our attention because they are unusually good. “Little Miss Sunshine” was such a gem. A good case can be made to put “Juno,” the story of an unwed teen who decides to carry her pregnancy to full term, in this class.

Hailed with well-deserved critical acclaim, “Juno” is a witty and smart comedy that is lifted by the performance of Ellen Page as the title character, a quirky teen with an offbeat personality.

Apropos of nothing, it is interesting to note that screenwriter Diablo Cody is a former stripper, who seems to have a really good ear for dialogue.

“Juno,” being released in two different editions, will have the usual plethora of deleted scenes, commentaries and special features.

For some strange reason, I feel compelled to tell you that the press release says “Juno” will be the first Fox Home Entertainment DVD at Starbucks company-operated locations in the United States.

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.

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LAKE COUNTY – Lake County is unique; it is isolated by its volcanic mountainous surrounds and peaceful front. Within the county lies an often overseen culture that has a deep and rich heritage: that of the Native Americans. The Pomo is comprised of over 72 independent tribelets and date back over 12,000 years in the area.

In a brand new pictorial history book by Arcadia Publishing, local author K.C. Patrick sets out to portray the fascinating story of these tribes, through the stories, artifacts and images collected by its inhabitants.

Retiring journalist K. C. Patrick, a fourth-generation Californian, returned to her Lake County home only to find there were stories left to tell, and none too soon, as the living memories of an ancient culture were dying out amid the pressures of modern living and casino revenue sharing.

Highlights of The Pomo of Lake County:

• Reveals numerous unseen vintage photographs from both public and private collections.

• Features little told and unreported stories.

• Shows how the Pomo lived a war-less culture, based on consensus and an almost pure democracy with leaders, not rulers.

• Captures the impact that land-seeking Europeans had on the culture, and how the tribes survive today, mainly through casino revenue.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or www.arcadiapublishing.com.

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CLEARLAKE – Wild About Books welcomes author William Edmunds to talk about “All Roads Lead to Zion” by Paracletus Press, on Saturday, April 26, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

A story that provides an intricate picture of the events that surrounded the time preceding and following the day when a young Galilean rabbi was executed from a unique point of view – that of the Roman Commander of Fort Antonio in Jerusalem.

“Rome would not have sat on its hands,” Edmunds speculated. “A Roman seal had been broken and the unit charged to guard the tomb upon which it had been placed was compromised. What would Rome have done?”

“All Roads Lead to Zion” is his answer to that question.

“Restore order and keep the peace ...” So read the orders of Emperor Tiberius to a veteran Roman officer assigned to the rebellious nation of Judea.

More than 1,400 miles from the seat of government, undermanned and under financed, Centurion Gaius Julius Cominus struggles to maintain order. As tens of thousands of Jews gather in Jerusalem for Passover, a madman haunts the roads to Zion bent on the murder and plunder of Roman citizens, while a young rabbi, heralded by many as the Messiah, spurs political intrigue and mutterings of rebellion. Peace is not going to come easy.

William (Bill) Edmunds, a retired police command officer and freelance Christian author has done an extensive study on the Passover traditions practiced at the time of Christ. Bill and his wife Joan lead the Healing Rooms of Lake County each Thursday evening at the Neighborhood Christian Fellowship in Clearlake and every first and third Monday at the New Life Foursquare Church in Lakeport.

Wild About Books is located at 14290 Olympic Drive in Clearlake, next door to Lisa's clothing store.

For an updated list of times and dates for upcoming events, stop by and call the story today at 994-WILD (9453).

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LAKE COUNTY – On April 2 and 3, a first general gathering of California Poets Laureate was convened at the State Capitol.

 

The event was sponsored by the California Arts Council, California State Library, California Poets in the Schools, Poets and Writers, Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission and the Sacramento Poetry Center.

 

Both Sandra Wade (PL 2006-8) and her predecessor Carolyn Wing Greenlee were able to represent Lake County at this exciting event for sharing of experience, ideas and mutual encouragement.

At the evening reception in the Fragrance Garden (next to the New California State Library), current PL of California Al Young performed some of his work accompanied by Dan Robbins on jazz bass. Al is an accomplished jazz singer as well as an awe-inspiring poet.

 

Due to the chill air and encroaching darkness, each poet present read only one poem that evening, after a tasty barbecue. But on the next afternoon, by the Capitol Fountain in warm sunshine, each had five minutes to give a representative sample of hir work.

 

On Thursday morning Al Young gave an inspiring keynote address "Line Breaks and Tax Breaks: Poetry and Democracy." The PoetryOutLoud program was introduced by Chelsea Hunt of SMAC. Then three consecutive panels provided time for poets to discuss successful projects, challenges and opportunities they have had as laureates of their respective communities.

 

The first panel, moderated by Connie Post (first PL of Livermore, now in her second term), discussed how to get other organizations (schools, libraries, business) involved in poetry programs, and reported on some successful collaborations. Jack Hirschman, fourth PL for SF, Geri Digiorno of Petaluma, Garland Thompson of Pacific Grove, Velma Ginzberg of Healdsburg and Perie Longo of Santa Barbara were panelists.

 

Next, Sam Pierstorff of Modesto (first state city to have a PL) led the topic of funding, visibility and the most pressing needs of poetry and the poetry community. Panelists were Dorothy Lee Hansen of Napa, Joel Fallon of Benecia, Diane Lando of Brentwood, Martha Meltzer of Pleasanton and Carolyn Greenlee, PL of Lake County 2004-06.

 

Lake County was represented again, when Sandra Wade took part in the third panel with the topic, “What can poets laureate do to help each other? What tasks should we, as a group, focus on?” Julia Connor, fourth PL for the City and county of Sacramento (2005-09), officiated. Other panelists were Mary Rudge of Alameda, Rod Clark of Pacifica, Meredith Laskow or Placentia and David Smith-Ferri of Ukiah.

 

Some catchy phrases:

Random Acts of Poetry (in the library) – Martha Meltzer

a library room to “commit poetry” – Joel Fallon

“think postcard (DaDa-style)” – Julia Connor

'Poets on deck' (of cards) – Julia Connor.

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LEATHERHEADS (Rated PG-13)

The baseball season has just gotten under way, but George Clooney, as the director and star, is tossing his best pitch for the football-themed screwball comedy “Leatherheads.”

Should we view this movie as brilliant counter-programming or an elusive “Hail Mary” attempt to score at the box office? Upon closer inspection, for a sports story written by veteran “Sports Illustrated” writers Duncan Brantley and Rick Reilly, “Leatherheads” comes up short on even the most basic insights into the early days of pro football.

The premise of the comedy is ripe with possibilities. Set in 1925, “Leatherheads” develops its story amidst the struggling efforts to turn football into a professional sport.

The nation was riveted by the allure of college football. The men who played football as adults were mostly crude, rough, and foul-mouthed farmers, factory workers and coal miners, playing at nearly empty venues in front of loud, drunk fans who could not conceive of paying top dollar to attend an event.

George Clooney’s Dodge Connelly is the aging player-coach of the Duluth Bulldogs, a ragtag bunch who have to forfeit a game when their only pigskin turns up missing. Even worse, the team is so cheap the players have to shower in their uniforms to save on laundry bills.

After the Bulldogs lose their sponsor and the entire league faces collapse, Dodge convinces agent CC Frazier (Jonathan Pryce) to secure his rising college football star, Carter “The Bullet” Rutherford (John Krasinski), in order to rejuvenate pro football. A dashing war hero who mythically managed to force a platoon of German soldiers to surrender in World War I, Carter is a photogenic charmer whose handsome mug adorns advertisements everywhere. A deal with the golden-boy football star seems a sure bet to lift everyone’s fortunes.

The football champ looks almost too good to be true, and spitfire journalist Lexie Littleton (Renee Zellweger) snags a big assignment from her editor at the Chicago Tribune to dig deep into the Carter Rutherford legend.

There’s reason to believe that Carter’s war heroics aren’t nearly in the same league with Sergeant York’s daring exploits. So Lexie hooks up with the Duluth Bulldogs to follow the team on the road, and promptly ends up in an odd romantic triangle with Carter and Dodge. That may be overstating the case, because Lexie snuggles up to Carter in pursuit of her story, while Dodge is the one she clashes with in the kind of sharp banter that recalls screwball comedies of the 1930s.

For a sports-oriented movie, “Leatherheads” spends too much time focused on the romantic comedy angle, tossing in plenty of slapstick and screwball antics that have little to do with football. However, Dodge, Lexie and Carter are interesting characters in the give-and-take of their own agendas.

Regrettably, the film glosses over the origins of pro football and virtually ignores the scandalous nature of how the game was once played. On more than one occasion, there are references to colorful yet questionable football plays, but the audience is left wondering what exactly will be banned when a new commissioner of football establishes a set of well-defined rules.

Nicely photographed and evocative of a bygone era, “Leatherheads” is a pleasure to watch, and not just for the scenery. Maybe the film doesn’t score a touchdown, but George Clooney and Renee Zellweger make excellent combatants in the screwball comedy department. The breezy dialogue is a real treat.

By the way, it’s troubling that John Krasinski’s war hero is still in college about seven years after World War I ended. Despite some grievous flaws in logic, the film still delivers plenty of laughs and an enjoyable entertainment.

DVD RELEASE UPDATE

Keeping up with your favorite TV series when episodes are released on DVD is an exercise in a serious financial commitment. If a popular program runs for a decade, it becomes pricey to buy each season separately.

“Perry Mason” aired for nine seasons, followed by many years in syndication. Fortunately, the release of “Perry Mason 50th Anniversary Edition” allows for an affordable viewing of 12 exceptional episodes of Raymond Burr in the title role of defense attorney Perry Mason, assisted by Barbara Hale as his beautiful and trusted secretary Della Street and debonair William Hopper as detective Paul Drake.

This four-disc collection follows the amazing trio as they crack impossible cases and uncover the truth every time. Great guest stars include Robert Redford, James Coburn, Adam West, Burt Reynolds, Leonard Nimoy, Dick Clark and Ryan O’Neill.

As to be expected, there are plenty of bonus features, including cast interviews and Raymond Burr’s initial screen tests.

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.

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