Observe and Report - Movie Review and Synopsis

At the Forest Ridge Mall, head of security Ronnie Barnhardt patrols his jurisdiction with an iron fist, combating skateboarders, shoplifters and the occasional unruly customer while dreaming of the day when he can swap his flashlight for a badge and a gun. His delusions of grandeur are put to the test when the mall is struck by a flasher. Driven 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 a coveted spot at the police academy and the heart of his elusive dream girl Brandi, 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 of the Conway Police, and Ronnie is confronted with the challenge of not only catching the flasher, but getting him before the real cops do.

While the Foot Fist Way failed to make director Jody Hill a household name, the weird-o action comedy did capture Hollywood’s attention, and one of the undying movie trends in Los Angeles is the desire to push the boundaries of mainstream comedy. Call it the Apatow effect. From what we understand, OaR might even offend perverts with its uncouth behaviors. Rogen’s playing an unlikable character for the “first” time (that’s what Internet boys are saying, to which I say: Did you not see Knocked Up?), and his clashes with Liotta are reportedly as un-politically correct as his tryst with Anna Faris (playing a put-upon cosmetics-counter girl) is gag-inducing. Plus, full frontal male nudity. JoBlo has some scoop.

Rated R for pervasive language, graphic nudity, drug use, sexual content and violence.

Director: Jody Hill
Stars: Seth Rogen, Anna Faris, Ray Liotta
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
Release Date: 10 April 2009 (USA)
Genre: Action | Comedy