Observe and Report

Observe and Report

Starring: Seth Rogen, Anna Faris, Michael Pena, Ray Liotta, Jesse Plemons

Directed by: Jody Hill

Reviewed by: Conor Flynn







This film is a genuine oddity. Due to the trailer which accompanies it, most will draw comparisons to the thematically similar ‘Paul Blart: Mall Cop’, however, the tone to this Seth Rogan film is wildly different. In fact, it’s like comparing cheese and chalk. It will, within time, come to be seen as this decade’s equivalent to the Jim Carrey comedy ‘The Cable Guy’. Much like that slightly underrated effort, this new Seth Rogan film will divide audiences due to their expectations of the films lead actor...

Ronnie Barnhardt (Rogen) is a security guard within a mall. Currently he is assigned to apprehend a flasher who exposes himself to females around the mall. The flashers most recent victim is Brandi (Faris), a cosmetics girl who not only works at the mall, but is someone who Ronnie deeply desires. Ronnie has a single goal in life; to become a police officer. If he catches the flasher, Ronnie believes he will prove his worth for the police academy. Standing in the way of Ronnie’s goal is police detective Harrison (Liotta), someone who takes his job seriously and looks down at “rent-a-cop” Ronnie.

Observe and Report is a fascinating mess. The main problem with the film strikes you almost immediately. Seth Rogan, who normally plays oafish yet likeable characters, is profoundly unpleasant here. This wouldn’t be a problem if his character was allowed to adjust and change; however, Ronnie stays the same though-out the films duration and is left irredeemable. Matters aren’t helped by his supporting cast, who are given equally nasty characters to work with. The overall mean spiritedness makes for deeply uncomfortable viewing, yet there are elements contained within the film which make it absorbing to watch.

Largely the films tone is all over the place and chops and changes jarringly between deeply cynical comedy and dark psychological drama. Oddly enough, this sometimes makes the film very compelling, because you simply won’t know what direction the film will turn to next. Generally there are moments which are amusing, particularly a scene during a psychological exam where Ronnie describes his reason for wanting to become a police officer. Another witty moment comes from Ronnie’s narration of the world he sees around him, an obvious ode to ‘Taxi Driver’. These extremely violent ‘Dirty Harry’ style fantasies are ideal to him, though to audience members; it is both preposterous and humorous, but become increasingly disturbing as Ronnie begins to live out his fantasies for real ala ‘The Cable Guy’. If your idea of a good comedy is one that makes you feel ashamed for laughing, then Observe and Report is a success.

It’s admirable to find a comedy that is as edgy as Observe and Report, but in the end, the results might be too heavy handed and disconcerting for most viewers. Approach this film with caution.