Bad Jokes and Politically Incorrect Script

Seth Rogen stars in this supposed comedy as a mall security officer who takes the law into his own hands. His character has Bi Polar Disorder (a serious mental health condition) and he’s often made fun of and called ‘retard’ throughout the film. Not only does he have mental health issues, he’s also a gun nut who wants to be a cop and run off with Anna Faris the make-up-counter girl. Now, if only he can catch that pesky flasher stalking the parking lot and his dream girl.

Seth Rogen is Hollywood’s new comedy guy, since 2007’s “Knocked Up”, we are bombarded with either his goofy voice or his typical curly hair. He’s either heard or seen in some theater of the town multiplex. “Superbad”, “Pineapple Express”, “Zack and Miri Make A Porno”, “Kung Fu Panda”, “Monsters Vs Aliens” And now he’s starring in this year’s second mall-security-guard comedy. Believe me, “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” has nothing in common with this film other than the fact that they are both based on Mall Security Guards. “Observe And Report is not a heartwarming tale of a lovable blue-collar worker, rather a misguided tale that basically has no storyline.

Detective Harrison (Ray Liotta) plays a hard core cop that loaves Ronnie and at every opportunity makes sure that he is the one to put him down. Harrison couldn’t wait to give Ronnie the news that he’s failed the psych-evaluation element of his police application. Ronnie is devastated and embarrassed. When Harrison’s cop buddy emerges from hiding in a cupboard to ‘over hear’ the news; he states, “Sorry, I thought this was going to be funny, but it’s actually sad.” As is the film!

After snorting cocaine on the job, Rogen with his security guard buddy (Michael Pena) his co-worker decide to bash local skateboarding teens by striking them in the head with their skateboards. Cool?.... Not really, these scenes were uncomfortable and unforgiving. No one was laughing during this absurd, outrageously stupid scene. Since when is it funny to hit kids in the head with an object similar to a 2 by 4 which could potentially kill them?

It’s really hard to grasp exactly what audience writer/director Jody Hill is aiming for. The fact that the main character is a misguided soul who means well and is on medication doesn’t give audiences much to hang their hat on. And, to give him a supporting character that is a druggie doesn’t offer much either. The flasher does make an extended visit near the end of the film and I have one word “painful!” This open trench coat, ‘creepy guy’ near the end is really gross for way too long. Again... painful, not funny! 

Rogen does get his due, as the police gang up on him and bash his head into the floor. Not the kind of laughs audiences are looking for. But I suppose that’s the payback for the skate boarding kids. Not too much in this film to suggest that anyone see it.

Sarah Adamson © 2009