SXSW Review: Observe and Report
Filed under: Comedy, Drama, SXSW, Warner Brothers, Theatrical Reviews, Fandom
I know it may seem sort of strange to get two "mall cop" comedies within two months of each other, but really: Aside from only the most tangential of plot connections, these movies couldn't possibly be more different. Paul Blart: Mall Cop is a flat, generic farce that feels like every studio comedy from the last 15 years. Observe and Report ... is a freaking revelation. Sick, dark, halfway twisted, and drop-dead hilarious, Jody Hill's Observe and Report is a dark comedy full of shocking moments and brave material, plus it's anchored by a lead performance that could change a whole lot of minds regarding Seth Rogen.
Set in a completely familiar shopping mall, Observe and Report is about a maladjusted security guard who finds himself with a new mission in life: Find the pervert who's been flashing women in the mall parking lot, and do it well before the cocky detective (played quite amusingly by Ray Liotta) has a chance to crack the case. Also to contend with: A bubble-headed blondie, as played by the funniest woman since Madeline Kahn (aka Anna Faris), an untrustworthy sidekick (a powerfully funny Michael Pena), and a perpetually inebriated mother who isn't all that good at the "nurturing" thing.
I'd heard Observe and Report once described as a "slightly lighter take on Taxi Driver-ish material," and while I don't really agree with that assessment, it's worth repeating because (and this should be made clear) Observe and Report is not a mainstream movie, a product of assembly-line filmmaking, or a churn-it-out contractual obligation. This is an aggressively unpredictable dark comedy that doles out violence, absurdity, and a strange sense of sincerity at (seemingly) random points -- and virtually all of Jody Hill's darts hit their intended target. As a tale of one schlub's (basic but legitimate) redemption, Observe and Report works more than well enough -- but if you opt to look a little deeper, and you will, you'll notice that Hill, Rogen and company are also mocking the most basic of Hollywood conventions at the same time.
At its best, Observe and Report delivers the basic plot points we completely expect from a movie of this sort, but then the flick spirals out into all sorts of admirably weird and subversive directions. And given that we're inundated with comedies of the same approximate tone and style every two weeks, it's a true pleasure to discover a farce that deals in weirdness, darkness, and downright SHOCK.
Backed by a great bunch of obscure-yet-rockin' Queen tunes, directed with a low-key style and an undeniable confidence in the material, and presented by comedic actors who clearly take their comedy very seriously, Observe and Report is as funny and "quote-worthy" as Rogen's best flicks, but it's also his very best film to date. If you've already dismissed Rogen as a one-note pot-smokin' wise-ass, prepare to have those notions re-conceived because the guy is fan-freakin'-tastic here. Funny, of course, amusingly obtuse and arrogant, sure, but also angry, desperate, scared, proud, and lonely. It's a great performance from an actor who's been consistently GOOD so far, but not like this. Not really.
This bizarre and admirable little comedy also represents a huge step forward for writer / director Jody Hill. Those who saw his The Foot Fist Way will not be surprised to learn that Observe and Report is a very good comedy, but they WILL be impressed with what Hill can accomplish with a half-decent budget and some studio support. And while we're doling out fair praise, a parcel is due to Warner Bros. for allowing Hill and Rogen to make precisely the strange little comedy that they wanted to. Trust me when I say that this is NOT your typical studio comedy.
And that's a wonderful freakin' thing.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
3-17-2009 @ 12:30PM
Brian said...
THANKS for the review Scott. I have been excited for this movie since that amazing trailer came out. Rogen and Faris are the two funniest people working in movies today, add a little bit of twisted humor and you have a comedic masterpiece.
I am already quoting Pena's line, You gunna die, and I haven't even seen the frickin movie yet!
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3-17-2009 @ 2:33PM
ML said...
Interesting ... too bad the trailer made it look un-freaking-believably awful and exactly like every other studio/hit-the-gross-notes comedy.
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3-17-2009 @ 2:42PM
Wayne said...
Would it be possible for the Cinematical staff to include release dates (or "TBD") when reviewing movies at film festivals? I think this would help the readers.
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3-17-2009 @ 3:51PM
Mike said...
Great review. I was hoping this movie would be better than the trailer made it out to be. Can't wait to see it.
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3-17-2009 @ 9:27PM
CR said...
The way you described it makes it sound like The Cable Guy 2009.
How big was Jim Carrey (Seth Rogan) before they took a chance on a dark comedy that wasn't what people expected.
Just an observation.
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3-18-2009 @ 4:44PM
short_e said...
I saw this at sxsw - it was hilarious! Seth Rogen and Anna Farris were funny as usual and Michael Pena was great! If you're a Rogen/Farris fan, you have got to see this one.
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3-18-2009 @ 4:47PM
short_e said...
I think they said it would be in theaters April 10th.
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3-19-2009 @ 4:02PM
Matt said...
@Wayne: The release date for "Observe and Report" is April 10, 2009 for the wide release.
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3-20-2009 @ 9:02PM
Tim1974 said...
It appears it is yet another double standard piece of crap. How redundant and disgusting that yet another movie has decided to exploit men and show just male frontal nudity. I am shocked that heterosexual males have not yet had enough of this inequality.
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3-23-2009 @ 8:30AM
Barbara said...
If this comment is serious then it must be one of the funniest comments I have ever read!
'exploit men and show just male frontal nudity'!!!????
Speaking as heterosexual female I have no problem with frontal male nudity and wonder why it's taken Hollywood to give us some!
3-23-2009 @ 2:07PM
Tim 1974 said...
That's correct Barbara. You think a double standard is something to make fun of ??? Because you are so unaware of what is happeneing in American mainstream movies, your comment is pathetic. Do the research and find the facts and you will find the abundance of male frontal nudity compared to the little amount of female frontal nudity in American mainstream movies. It also goes into many new HBO series and in plays. So stop your old ,out dated uninformed rhetoric and get informed about the reality of the present. This film does nothing but continue the double standard. There again is male frontal nudity and no female frontal nudity. Disgusting and redundant !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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3-23-2009 @ 6:44PM
claire said...
Tim you have absolutely no argument. How can you possibly say that there is more male frontal nudity than female today? Hardly any TV show or movie shows guys in anything less than every day clothes where as not only do they constantly include frontal nudity of women but they also have them constantly naked, in insanely tight and skimpy clothes, or just in their bra and underwear. The only time I've ever seen any sort of male nudity was in Borat unless you count American Psycho (which still shows more female nudity...)
3-24-2009 @ 4:13PM
Tim1974 said...
Claire- It is time to do some real research and find out the truth. Just because you haven't seen any male frontal nudity doesn't mean it isn't out there. In Americam mainstream movies from last year until now, there were 3 movies that had both male and female frontal nudity. There was only 1 with female frontal nudity only. There 9 with male frontal nudity only. Of the last 50 people who have appearded nude on stage, 40 displayed male frontal nudity. There is also an abundance in HBO new series. It also seems like many film or TV shows have some reference to penises. Let's not forget cartoon nudity with Bart Simpson and even in an educational program ,"John Adams," there was male frontal nudity. So Claire, if you wish to bring up names from just last year until now that feature female frontal nudity, I am more than willing to match and exceed that list of films with films that display male frontal nudity. And a current HBO special with Will Farrell displays an enlarged photograph of male genitals lowered from the ceiling. And Claire this list does not include the showing of breasts because no matter how you state it breasts are not equal to exposing genitals. Yes, there is a definite double standrd bias towards males in refeernce to frontal nudity and this film continues that disgusting trend !!! Heterosexual males need to start demanding equality or stop viewing these pieces of crap films or equality will never be reached.
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4-04-2009 @ 5:37PM
Jazon said...
Tim, do you really expect homosexuals and women to see this double standard? They are the most vindictive, illogical people on the face of the earth. Women will say penises should be shown because breasts have been shown. Do you see their logic in that? They are incapable of logic. It's just the way they are.
Eastern Promises, Walk Hard:The Dewey Cox Story, Sex and the City, Hostel 2, Rome, Oz, Zach and Miri make a Porno, The Talented Mr. Ripley, True Blood, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Shadowboxer. That's 11 that show male full frontal nudity on T.V. TONIGHT ONLY! How many show a vagina? ZERO!
Vaginas are never shown and that is the true taboo in Hollywood. I am so sick of this double standard. A Breast does not equal a penis. A vagina does. Women are just as turned on by a well defined male chest as a man by a woman's. If they want to show a penis then show a vagina and nobody could complain.
Schools cater to females in schools and our boys are falling behind. Will anybody ever do anything about it? NO!
March is Woman's History Month. Why? Women have just as much, or more, of an opportunity to succeed today as any man. In fact, with affirmitive action, they have more even if their not as qualified. Colleges are 3 to 1 in favor of female students.
Men are shown shirtless all the time in magazines and soap operas, but of course women don't consider this as exploiting and degrading men.
Men have to give up their homes and children, much of their money, and all their dignity in divorces. Do you hear women say that isn't fair? Of course not! This injustice has gone on far too long!
Feminists make up the mythical wage gap (women make .76 for every dollar men earn), yet don't say men work many more hours and that makes up the dfiference. Women take far more time off for sick leave and other reasons. Generally they don't want to put in the same long hours as most men. There's nothing wrong with that, but don't say women are getting paid less for the same work.
Males have to register when they are 18 in case of a draft. Do females? No! Why not? Because they want equality only when it benefits them.
Female reporters are allowed in male locker rooms when the athletes are completly nude. Are the male reporters allowed in female locker rooms. Of course not! Another double standard we have to put up with. And you would never see a male fight to get in a female locker room because we have respect for women, yet the women have no decency or respect for men.
Women will continue to complain of all the injustices that they face today until they drag men down and will not stop. Men today are weak and are complete fools. Why? Because they fear protests from woman's groups. Why do you think the government will never change any rule that would take something away from women, even if it's completely unfair to men. Feminists pour millions of dollars into the government and thousands upon thousands of jobs are at stake along with billions of dollars.
This male frontal nudity is much bigger than just nudity. It's what women are trying to do to men. Weak men are just as guilty of letting this happen because they don't want to be criticized for saying anything. Men better start fighting back NOW! Our futures and particularly our son't futures are at stake.
The fact is male nudity is way up. Female nudity is way down. Female genitals are NEVER shown. Male genitals are. Even on regular cable channels like FX, male nudity is shown regualarly, yet female nudity is never shown. NBC and the other networks allow slang words for male genitals all the time, but words for female genitals aren't allowed. We would hear an awful lot of complaining if they were.
The bottom line is, it's sad that male-female relationships have never been worse. Marriages are way down, divorces are way up. There are more and more homosexual relationships. Nudity in movies may seem like a small thing, but it's just another inequality that is argued about that causes more bitterness. Maybe if more things were equal the sexes would get along better. Feminist groups will always prevent this from happening.
If men were allowed in female locker rooms, divorces were fair and treated men as human beings, schools cared about the success of both sexes, there was complete nudity of both genders and other inequalities were more fair, we wouldn't have these gender wars that are pitting men vs. women. All this has done is tear apart families and our children suffer most. I see it all the time. Unfortunately with my job, I see it everyday and it's sad.
4-14-2009 @ 9:51AM
Jane said...
There is full-frontal female nudity in the moive Walk Hard: the Dewey cox story. (in the hotel room, when dewey opens the door, there is a guy w/ full frontal nudity and a women on the other side w/ full frontal nudity)
Personally I think that a lot more men get off looking at a females breast, then women looking at a man's chest. So for me personally, it is about time that they start showing male nudity (because I do not consider the male chest to be arrousing no matter how buff) in films. Fair is Fair.
If you think about it in every country around the world, since the beginning of time women have been considered sex objects and I think that is about time that men are finally treated like a piece of meat that they have treated women like for so long.
Really I tend to try to watch movies without any nudity in them or I try to because for me nudity ruins a movie.
I think that hollywood and all the foreign films should just leave the nudity to porn, but the fact is that sex sells.
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4-09-2009 @ 8:32PM
Tim1974 said...
Yes, I agree Jane that Fair is Fair. it is about time to start seeing as much female genital exposure as male genital exposure.
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4-10-2009 @ 10:19PM
Jazon said...
And Jane yet again proved my point how illogical females are. Man, if they just had a clue. She says there was female full-frontal in Walk Hard. The girl showed her breasts, but they convieniently hid her vagina behind Dewey and the door, meanwhile they had the male in full view. It's about time we start seeing vaginas in movies. I'm tired of females saying it's about time we see penises. Well, it's about time we see vaginas. Men need to start complaining like women have for years and years.
If Jane can't see how men have been exploited and degraded in soap operas, magazines, and movies and other media just like women, she's crazy. The trend is far more male exposure now. Women only see things through their eyes and they will always say they are the victims. Sure, women have been exploited, but so have men. Look at the movie 300. If that were women dressed that way, we would here how disgusting it was that they were exploited and degraded like that. Same with the soap operas where every man is shirtless throughout the show, but that's ok by women. Females are pathetic!
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4-14-2009 @ 10:28AM
Jane said...
Dude come on....in the dewey cox movie it did show the girls bush, watch it again. Also try watching brotherhood of the wolf (i believe that is what it is called) in the brothel, it shows many female vaginas. Also in the movie that came out not too long ago Harold and Kumar: the guatanimo bay one, how many different (not just one person) vaginas do you see in that movie at the "no bottoms" party. Another movie was the remake of my bloody valentine (3d one) you get to see a girl with complete full frontal nudity, IN 3D. Look at all the zombie movies (that are B movies) you always are bound to see female full frontal nudity in those.
Also come on tell me how many guys do not like (and get arroused) by seeing womens breast?
The thing is look from the time that they started making movies, not just from the nineties and up. How much more female nudity have you seen then male nudity.
Wow in the movie 300, yes the guys did show off there muscles, however the movie also showed the women having sex with her breast bouncing in slow motion, the girl dancing with the see through cloth over her, exposing her breast and also the brief scene of two girls topless on top of each other kissing when the hunch back guy joined the persians.
If you want to put it that way with the magazines....FHM, Maximum, car magazines and the magazines with the big butt girls on it....plus not to mention where I am from there are alway playboy magazines and etc....porn magazines always exposed in everystore, however no play girl. As for tv shows if you want to point that out as well, CIS, Las vegas, californication, law and order, the dead zone, battle star galatica, etc....I could keep on going on. Show more women skimply dressed or half naked than men.
The thing is that you guys are not looking at from the start of movies and you are just focusing on now days. I think that hollywood figured that they could make more money if they started making movies that had a little something in it for the women as well.
Yes, they are coming out with more and more full frontal male nudity, but at the same time they are also coming out with more full frontal female nudity as well, they are just making it even now. From now on if they want to show a women naked in a women then they should show a man nude as well and vice-versa.
The thing is society (the U.S) for so long has made the people think of sex and nudity as taboo, or whatever you want to call it. Where if you go to Europe or say mexico, they have nudity in there daily lives....on tv shows, beaches, etc... It is accepted.
The thing is I think that now with the full frontal male nudity that is coming out in movies, it is like that of when the first peep shows for men came out. It is shocking because it is not something that you expect because when you see nudity on the thing that says that it is rated R, you automatically assume that it is going to be female....then you watch it and what do you know, you are disappointed because it is not the female breast that you hoped to see insead it is some guys nut sack or penis right in front of you.
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4-14-2009 @ 2:39PM
Tim1974 said...
Jane- Breasts in no way are equal to showing male genitals in films again and again and again. Get the facts and see that male frontal exposure is much more than female frontal exposure in mainstream Americam movies. It is also in HBO new series, and in plays. Males want to see an equal amount of female genital exposure as male genital exposure. I am so sick of hearing how women have showed their breasts. Big Deal !!!!!!!!!!!!!! it is just like a man showing his bare behind. It is time to see the vulva. Why are you and many women afraid that this will occur ? It is time for males to stop seeing films that contain only male genitals !!!!!!!!!! If you want to compare American mainstream films that have male frontal nudity to female frontal nudity just with last year to now I am more than willing to match ever film you can list and then some. It is not equal !!!!!!!!!! Males are being exposed much more. It is long past the time for equality. If they are going to show the male then also show the female and I don't want to hear about why they can't because that is just a load of crap. They can and have decided not to. A blatant, disgusting double standard against males. So, go ahead Jane, time to put up or shut up. And I am not talking about shows that have females dressed in skimpy outfits or portrayed sexually. This is just about blatant genital exposure. And your comment about films coming out with more female frontal nudity is not accurate.
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4-15-2009 @ 9:38AM
Jane said...
Tim- First off I was referring to Jazon's comment on the soap operas, etc....the fact is that they have just as much women being exploited,if not more than men.
Another thing is that you can not compare a women's chest to a man's chest. Yes in all reality they are made up of the same thing. But I ask you this if a women's chest is equal to a man's chest, then why can't women walk around in public, place sports, drive their car, or even go to the beach topless like men. The society has made women cover their chest and yet I am sure that you probably have walked around or been around a group of people with out your shirt on, but if you have a girlfriend or a wife, do you allow her to to the same??
Another thing is I am not just talking about the movies now days, or even television now days, I am talking about every since film have been made, there has been more Female full- frontal nudity than male nudity.
By the way I have never said that the female breast are in comparison with showing male full frontal nudity....but you can not tell me that men do not get off seeing them. Also female breasts are not equal to male butts like you said.....that is ruining your whole point....A butt is a butt right, just like the genital area is the genital area. Females just have more to look at. I have not met a man who does not like breast.
Another thing is, I guess because I like to have a variety in films, I do not just watch American made....you have to look at what the whole world is doing.
Lets go on the movies (even foreign)