Observe and Report [2009]

One of the things that I really don’t like are taboos. They represent the manipulative, controlling and tribal aspects of our existence and in my opinion are holding us back as a society and as a species. This intro is pretty much necessary, if we’re going to talk about this movie. A fair share of the viewers found it repulsive, offensive and other -ive’s, refusing to look at things from another perspective. And this is what Observe and Report does, it approaches some very difficult subjects like police brutality, mental illness and others with a very dark sense of humor. This was supposed to disarm the viewer and open it to new ideas. You are free to be and watch whatever you want, so if you’re easily offended or just not in the mood for something like this, better skip this one. Perhaps I should have just said: it depends on your sense of humor.

The story follows an arrogant and in-your-face mall guard and his pursuit of recognition. Ronald “Ronnie” Barnhardt is determined to find the flasher who keeps exposing himself to people around the mall. When he “attacks” his dream girl Brandi, Ronnie meets Detective Harrison, in charge of the investigation and the two soon “bond”.

I like how the annoying mall guard (Seth Rogen) and very cocky and confident police detective(Ray Liotta) are making their contrast relationship work.  Observe and Report has a sad note to it, but it still manages to be funny. Filled with very well defined and satirical characters (dumb blond, apprentice cop, dumb twins, good girl behind the counter, alcoholic mother), is paced just right, making time fly so just enjoy it and not bother yourself with some plot holes or things that should have happened and did not. There is one more movie with the same subject Paul Blart: Mall Cop that is very bad, so try to avoid it. Enjoy this great dark comedy.

Director: Jody Hill

Cast: Seth Rogen, Ray Liotta, Michael Peña, Anna Faris, Dan Bakkedahl, Jesse Plemons

Fun Facts: The filming of this movie convinced Seth Rogen he needed to lose weight, after it became hard for him to breathe in the harsh New Mexico air.

Rating:

IMDb Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1197628/