'Observe and Report' creates a dull roar
Alyssa Webb
Issue date: 4/21/09 Section: Features
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It takes certain finesse to write the next "Fargo" or "Dr. Strangelove," and Jody Hill's (director, writer and producer of HBO's "Eastbound & Down") "Observe & Report" falls just short of greatness.
Ronnie Barnhardt (Seth Rogen, "Pineapple Express") is a bi-polar mall cop on a power trip that sets out to capture a flasher terrorizing the mall guests and employees. When the flasher strikes again, this time exposing himself to Barnhardt's dream girl Brandi (Anna Faris, "The House Bunny), the police are called. Enter Detective Harrison (Ray Liotta, "Powder Blue") who then takes over the case much to Barnhardt's dismay. His unorthodox and unusual attempts to solve the flasher case, as well as a robbery that takes place, create friction between him and Harrison.
The beauty in the film is the edgy and far from obvious comedy that lurks in the awkward situations. There are not many laugh-out-loud moments, but more shock and discomfort when watching a tortured soul try to reach heights that are far from attainable.
It's a big risk, straying far from the socially acceptable and not recommended for the easily offended or disheartened.
It's worth the watch but don't expect black comedic genius. The jokes are there, but they're not perfected, but rather predictable. Instead, expect a few chuckles and maybe an appreciation for Hill's work. Hill's successful work on "Eastbound & Down" makes me think that "Observe and Report" is just him getting warmed up.
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