"Observe and Report, a Mr. E Movie Review

(Run time: 86 min. - Directed by: - Jody Hill Starring: Seth Rogan, Ray Liotta, Anna Faris)

The ever so popular Seth Rogan has a new movie out on DVD named Observe and Report. Now, even when I saw the previews a few months back I said to myself, "I'm going to wait and see that on DVD." And boy am I glad I did, I think. I mean this movie is what Paul Blart Mall Cop would've been if it was incoherent, unentertaining, and a serious disappointment!

Seth plays Ronnie, the unreasonable, "I take my job way too serious", head of security for the local mall. After a pervert wreaks havoc, flashing the female patrons in the malls parking lot. The real cops are called in to officially handle the investigation, enter Ray Liotta. Ronnie's offended. But, when the make-up counter girlhe has an unrealistic crush on, played by Anna Faris, becomes the latest victim of the flasher he decides to personally take the case on. It becomes his mission for redemption from all those time’s he didn’t get respect for being a rent-a-cop.

"Mr. Head of Security" calls on his crack-head team of security guards to assist him throughout his investigation. They consist of two, gun happy, Asian twins, played by Matt and John Yuen, a butt-kissing, drug using Mexican, played by Michael Pena, and some new guy they just got from one of the mall stores, played by Jesse Plemons. The balance of the supporting cast comes in the form of an injured food court worker, played by Collette Wolfe, who slowly develops a predictable crush on Seth’s character.

Seth Rogan is usually a funny, likeable guy, and the movie's he's in are usually entertaining. Unfortunately, this movie had none of those qualities and even less! I couldn't believe any of the characters, including the usually on point Ray Liotta, all the performances where seriously lacking, and the story just wasn't there!

If I had to pick out the best and funniest moment in the movie I'd have to say it was the thirty seconds in which Seth and one of the kiosk vendors in the mall, who don't like each other because Seth's character is rude and racist towards the vendor, try to one up each other with a series of exchanged "F-You's".

I Observed and so now I must Report...I can't recommend this movie to anyone I know or like. I can say if you want to have a "car crash" of movie watching experience with none of the payoff then waste your time with Observe and Report.

(Sorry guys, I am rarely this critical. I even watched it twice to be sure.)"

"At The Movies

Observe and Report (18A) * * *

Super Cop!

By ROBERT WALDMAN

Timing is everything in life. When to release a movie also can impact a film’s success. After the surprise success of Mall Cop comes another shopping centre themed movie. Local boy who made good Seth Rogen (Superbad) is up to his old tricks in Observe and Report, a wacky offering from Warner Brothers sure to click with the comedy crowd. Expect lots of guffaws at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking), Esplanade 6, Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City films across B.C.

Dreams die hard. So it goes for Ronnie Barnhardt, a somewhat humbled mall officer just trying to do his thing. Upholding rules and regulations is a big thing for Ronnie and as the head security man at this upscale suburban mall he runs roughshod over a rag tag bunch of underlings. Politically correctness goes by the wayside as Ronnie imagines himself to be a super cop. That image of bravery and his gung ho attitude don’t resonate too well with the legitimate police in the area. Alongside co-conspirator Dennis these misfits especially rub Detective Harrison the wrong way.

Day by day Ronnie tries to “manage” the mall and keep both its businesses and customers safe. He particularly has the hots for Brandi, a dashing clerk played by Anna Farris (Brokeback Mountain). Over the course of time we get to see Ronnie’s rage build and the jokes accelerate in this wacky little bit of nonsense.

Director and writer Jody Hill does what she can with an 86 minute movie and Seth Rogen is full value for his portrayal of a maligned loser trying to break free while living in a dream world. There are some touching moments in the film, including a good accounting of a handicapped worker that adds some soul to this otherwise standard comedy. Rogen does punch things up a bit but it’s too bad Observe and Report comes right on the heels of a similar-themed movie.

Spoofing the whole police recruitment efforts also plays into Rogen’s hands who does manage to move the story forward. Likeable and unpredictable Observe and Report again shows Rogen’s ease in front of the camera and a charisma that can’t be contained or overlooked.

Read more reviews by Alan at www.moviereviewssite.com "

"Ok, so someone told me that Observe and Report was a great movie, and I trusted their judgement. So me and my husband went to see it. I have to honestly say, it was an alright movie. Not one I want to see again. Don't get me wrong, there were some really hilarious moments, but it was mostly stupid humor. Seth Rogen [s/p?] did a good job, like always, but it wasnt that great of a movie. =]"

"Horrible...Have a root canal instead. Absolutely anything would be better than this HORRIBLE, AWFUL TERRIBLE FARSE OF A MOVIE. Seriously save your money. Go see Slumdog Millionaire at least get your money's worth in this economy you want to be entertained not insulted. This is actually an insult to any moviegoer in America. This movie proves that a monkey can write a script and Hollywood would film it."