Review of Observe and Report (2009) by Ethan P — 19 May 2017

I'm choosing to believe it was intentional for "Observe and Report" to feel like two completely different films at once, as the protagonist has bipolar disorder, and I liked it enough to give the filmmakers the benefit of the doubt.

Seth Rogen is very good in the film, and the supporting cast is fine as well. It's funny and it's erratic, and the upsetting/violent scenes feel quite real, especially considering this is a Seth Rogen comedy.

Based off the premise and the first ten-or-so minutes, I was worried it was going to be too much like "Paul Blart: Mall Cop," but it veers off in such a completely different direction that the similarities they share don't matter.

I don't think there's any reason to choose one over the other. I would've preferred it if every character was portrayed with the realism Rogen's was, and I wish some moments weren't so slapstick-ey, but I still appreciate that the film managed to be funny while also treating the subject of mental illness quite seriously.