Universal's 'Marshall' Law

Apatow and co. take in comedy premiere

By BILL HIGGINS

Leslie Mann and Kristen Bell at the 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' premiere in Hollywood.

Pic's star Jason Segal at Thursday's premiere.

Helmer Nicholas Stoller and producer Judd Apatow.

Mila Kunis and Christopher Mintz-Plasse.

Universal's Marc Shmuger and Donna Langley with Seth Rogen at the preem.

HOLLYWOOD -- Though producer Judd Apatow went to great lengths to focus praise on writer-star Jason Segel at Thursday's "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" preem at the Chinese Theater, there was no doubt the pic reflected the Apatow soul.

"It's an 'R,' and it's committed to its 'R,' " said Universal topper Marc Shmuger.

As for his inclination toward bawdy humor, Apatow said: "Life is an 'R.' Someday, I hope the Oscars are on cable so they can do a montage of penis scenes."

Segel called his film "a romantic comedy that defies expectations" and said his own sensibility fit perfectly with Apatow's.

"I was born without shame," said Segel. "And that's what Judd demands."