Glenn Bristol of the website FilmWonk goes back to his time studying abroad in Moscow and what he considers a solid entry in the New Canon of American romantic comedies.
This time in , I was studying abroad in Moscow. Given the subject matter of this film, I considered the possibility that Segel may just be uniquely suited for this particular character which would later be confirmed by my obsessive viewing of How I Met Your Mother.
Segel plays the occasionally self-loathing man-child who wears his heart on his sleeve and occasionally, bears his entire soul — and naked body — for the camera. The opening montage is almost a Children of Men- level class in speedy plausible exposition. A bevvy of personalized calendars and mugs and other crap showcase the insufferability of their long-term couplehood, as the E!
Sarah has already decided that the breakup is a done deal, but she still cares about his feelings. Peter is still acting like this is a snap decision that he can maybe, possibly, desperately talk her out of. Peter leans in for a close hug again, she is the only one wearing clothes. And she tearfully departs. The next scene finds Peter with his brother Brian Bill Hader , showcasing his pain and trying desperately to find a stranger to have sex with.
He puts some very awkward moves on — holy lord, is that June Diane Raphael? He flashes back to happy times with Sarah more on this later , and cries. We see several more of these dubious hookups including one with Carla Gallo , also from Undeclared , who offers to let him gag her. With the exception of the music-stand freakout, is all pretty classic post-breakup stuff.
