Search for:
I used to be a big fan of Seth Rogen. He was smart, funny, charming and likeable as a character and as himself. I would have preferred to continue liking him, which is why I regret seeing Observe and Report.
Remember that annoying kid in seventh grade who thought he was hilarious and super cool because he knew how to hold up his middle finger and scream obscenities all day long? Well, that’s who Seth Rogen has turned into — except he’s in his late 20s. The sort of humor that Observe and Report is littered with isn’t silly, immature fun — it’s stupid and outright offensive. Not only is it insulting to the audience to assume we would find this movie amusing, it’s also racist, sexist and homophobic. It’s 2009 and no longer acceptable to be throwing around words that rhyme with maggot and leotard in angry monologues by Ray Liotta. I’m also not sure when bipolar disorder, divorce and alcoholism became so hilarious. More than half of the movie made even an audience of rowdy teenagers noticeably uncomfortable. Not only are the actually funny parts few and far between, they are overwhelmed with what turns out to be a very depressing storyline.
The script isn’t the only bad thing about Observe. The entire movie is edited like a trailer — short clips, one-line scenes and montages set to music comprise most of the film. It is a miracle, then, that it still manages to be so boring. The only audience members that Observe and Report will impress are too young to get in without their parents.
The half of a star is for Anna Faris, whose spot-on comic timing makes you wish you were seeing The House Bunny. No need to leave the house for her, however, as the two minutes that she is actually on-screen are pretty much all in the preview.
I never thought I’d say this, but if you have to see one movie about a mall cop this year, make it Paul Blart.
Sound Off
Last post: Apr. 18, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Andy Herren (Andy Herren) said on Apr. 18, 2009 at 8:03 pm:
Ahh! I disagree wholeheartedly. This movie dared to be different. It's awesomely un-PC. Yeah, it's racist, homophobic, and downright vulgar, but the fact that everyone goes balls to the wall into their squirm-inducing roles was breathtaking, in my opinion. I laughed harder at this movie than I have laughed at a movie in a long time, and so did everyone I was with. Granted, I felt bad for laughing, but I still laughed. Celia Weston as Rogen's alcoholic mom is awesome. As is Anna Faris, and Rogen himself. The movie is weird as all get out, yet its harsh injection of black humor is welcome in a time of predictable buddy comedies and rom coms. The audience I saw this with was full of adults and college students who all laughed their asses off.
Never saw my boy Kevin James' flick, but I can confidently state that this one is totally worth checking out if you like your comedy pitch black. It's not for everyone, though...so I guess I can see where this review is coming from. I, being an offensive, vulgar person myself, just happen to disagree.