Observe and Report

Rated: R for pervasive language, graphic nudity, drug use, sexual content and violence
Genre: Comedies
Theatrical Release:Apr 10, 2009 Wide
Box Office: $11,017,33
Review :
Observe and Report is not as easy a film to review as I initially assumed it would be. It exists almost in an effort to defy itself.
Sold as a comedy starring comic regular Seth Rogen it has a few laughs, but considering Rogen’s character, Forest Ridge Mall security guard Ronnie Barnhardt, is a bipolar man child with delusions of grandeur, a fetish for firearms and is still living with his alcoholic mother we have a bit more than comedy to consider

Early on these personality traits are played for comedic effect, but as the film plays on we realize they define a very real and unstable individual just aching to crack at any moment. Next comes women bloggers screaming “date rape” all while the character being raped is last seen screaming for more. Add police brutality, slow motion naked fat men and the most powerful handgun in the world delivering a serious blow to the chest and we have just eclipsed comedy.
So what exactly is Observe and Report?
Most will call it a dark comedy, and while it is dark and has its funny moments that is to completely ignore the reality of it all. Writer/director Jody Hill (Foot Fist Way and “Eastbound and Down”) has said comedies shouldn’t be limited to jokes alone. Violence and/or drama in comedies doesn’t need to be funny is his assertion. Citing Taxi Driver as his primary influence Hill has created his own Travis Bickle, but there is a disconnect in this film that doesn’t allow the comparison to completely play out.
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Over the course of the first half of this film Hill goes more for laughs, painting Ronnie as one of the most despicable characters you could meet. His self-designated purpose in life is to protect the weak and his attempts to do so are laughable, occasionally comic, but most times pathetic. He has zero social skills and is entirely unaware of just how dumb he is. To put it plainly, Ronnie is an ass of the worst kind, and as a result the character is unlikable in every way. The Bickle connection, however, is lost as Hill walks the fine line between comedy, reality and lunacy proving there isn’t room for everything.
Along with Rogen the other “star” of the film is Anna Faris as Brandi, a make-up counter girl embodying all the short-comings you can throw at her. She’s a dimwitted, drug using slut that has caught Ronnie’s eye and won’t give him the time of day until the night he manages to catch her coming home stumbling drunk, which is when he sees no problem in making his move. Their “date” dissolves into some of the funnier moments of the film, but at the same time has drawn questions regarding date rape from various corners. Considering Ronnie’s disturbing behavior throughout the film I think it is an overreaction, but the fact Warner Bros. is selling this film as a laugh-out-loud comedy, and the scene in question has one of the most comedic moments in the film, the criticism has its merits.
I bring up this date rape issue not in an attempt to be morally correct, but to show the primary flaw this film has going for it. Despite the comedic aspects, one could argue Observe and Report is a serious film looking at the life of a disturbed individual and society’s reaction and involvement in making him what he is and even, at times, reinforcing his behavior. I have no idea how far Hill actually intended audiences to take the serious nature of the film and how much he expected us to laugh, but based on what I have read he didn’t intend for audiences to necessarily feel good about what they were laughing at. What Hill has attempted is inspired, and maybe in the hands of another director it would have worked, but with Observe and Report it just dissolves into utter chaos, which again may be intentional, but that would just be reaching too far.
For what it’s worth I didn’t really enjoy the film. I had a few moments of laughter, one of which involves Ronnie alone on a dark street corner surrounded by crack heads led by Danny McBride (Tropic Thunder and “Eastbound and Down”) and the subsequent scene with Ronnie and Detective Harrison played by Ray Liotta, whose character actually disappointed me. I originally expected Harrison to be the counterpunch to Ronnie, but instead the two were one-in-the-same. If this is Hill’s way of making a point that’s great, but to know a police detective can be just as crazy as a bipolar mall cop doesn’t do much for me and really adds nothing to the movie.
With Observe and Report we are talking about something I would define as an anti-comedy and it bucks the system at every turn. I can’t say I have seen a movie like it, but that doesn’t mean it gets extra points for being original (Okay, maybe a few). Yet, when all is said and done, it will be interesting to see how audiences take to the film overall and how many, like me, will have their share of laughs, but come out ultimately disappointed.

Synopsis:
At the Forest Ridge Mall, head of security Ronnie Barnhardt (SETH ROGEN) patrols his jurisdiction with an iron fist. The master of his domain, he combats skateboarders, shoplifters and the... At the Forest Ridge Mall, head of security Ronnie Barnhardt (SETH ROGEN) patrols his jurisdiction with an iron fist. The master of his domain, he combats skateboarders, shoplifters and the occasional unruly customer while dreaming of the day when he can swap his flashlight for a badge and a gun.

Ronnie's delusions of grandeur are put to the test when the mall is struck by a flasher. Driven by his personal duty to protect and serve the mall and its patrons, Ronnie seizes the opportunity to showcase his underappreciated law enforcement talents on a grand scale, hoping his solution of this crime will earn him a coveted spot at the police academy and the heart of his elusive dream girl Brandi (ANNA FARIS), the hot make-up counter clerk who won't give him the time of day.

But his single-minded pursuit of glory launches a turf war with the equally competitive Detective Harrison (RAY LIOTTA) of the Conway Police, and Ronnie is confronted with the challenge of not only catching the flasher, but getting him before the real cops.

Seth Rogen stars in the dark comedy Observe and Report, written and directed by Jody Hill (The Foot Fist Way). Donald De Line (The Italian Job) will produce, with Andrew Haas (Without a Paddle), Marty Ewing (Blades of Glory), Thomas Tull (The Dark Knight) and Jon Jashni (Sweet Home Alabama) serving as executive producers. The film also stars Anna Faris (The House Bunny), Michael Pena (Million Dollar Baby), Celia Weston (Junebug) and Ray Liotta (The Rat Pack).

The behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Tim Orr (Snow Angels), production designer Chris Spellman (Superbad) and editor Zene Baker (The Foot Fist Way). Music is by Joseph Stephens.

Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures, presents a De Line Pictures Production, a Jody Hill Film, Observe and Report, . --© Warner Bros

Starring: Seth Rogen, Anna Faris, Michael Pena, Ray Liotta, Celia Weston, Collette Wolfe
Director: Jody Hill


Synopsis: At the Forest Ridge Mall, head of security Ronnie Barnhardt (SETH ROGEN) patrols his jurisdiction with an iron fist. The master of his domain, he combats skateboarders, shoplifters and the... At the Forest Ridge Mall, head of security Ronnie Barnhardt (SETH ROGEN) patrols his jurisdiction with an iron fist. The master of his domain, he combats skateboarders, shoplifters and the occasional unruly customer while dreaming of the day when he can swap his flashlight for a badge and a gun.

Ronnie's delusions of grandeur are put to the test when the mall is struck by a flasher. Driven by his personal duty to protect and serve the mall and its patrons, Ronnie seizes the opportunity to showcase his underappreciated law enforcement talents on a grand scale, hoping his solution of this crime will earn him a coveted spot at the police academy and the heart of his elusive dream girl Brandi (ANNA FARIS), the hot make-up counter clerk who won't give him the time of day.

But his single-minded pursuit of glory launches a turf war with the equally competitive Detective Harrison (RAY LIOTTA) of the Conway Police, and Ronnie is confronted with the challenge of not only catching the flasher, but getting him before the real cops.

Seth Rogen stars in the dark comedy Observe and Report, written and directed by Jody Hill (The Foot Fist Way). Donald De Line (The Italian Job) will produce, with Andrew Haas (Without a Paddle), Marty Ewing (Blades of Glory), Thomas Tull (The Dark Knight) and Jon Jashni (Sweet Home Alabama) serving as executive producers. The film also stars Anna Faris (The House Bunny), Michael Pena (Million Dollar Baby), Celia Weston (Junebug) and Ray Liotta (The Rat Pack).

The behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Tim Orr (Snow Angels), production designer Chris Spellman (Superbad) and editor Zene Baker (The Foot Fist Way). Music is by Joseph Stephens.

Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures, presents a De Line Pictures Production, a Jody Hill Film, Observe and Report, . --© Warner Bros

Starring: Seth Rogen, Anna Faris, Michael Pena, Ray Liotta, Celia Weston, Collette Wolfe Director: Jody Hill Screenwriter: Jody Hill Producer: Donald De Line Composer: Joseph Stephens Studio: Warner Bros.

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