Review of Observe and Report (2009) by Kevin G — 24 Mar 2011

It's simultaneously funny and disturbing. Though it lacks any definitive artistic nuances, it is very much a Brechtian comedy of sorts. Seth Rogen's character is just so deluded and despicable, while also good intentioned.

It really is proof that Rogen can play someone outside of his persona, most notably a sociopath in this. He's pretty much the perfect satire of all losers who take their miniscule little occupations way too seriously.

It's also a perfectly pessimistic depiction of mall and consumer culture, unfortunately half of it truly does ring true although it's still rife with exaggeration. Everyone in this is great and really has fun with their ridiculously sleazy, slice-of-life characters.

In many ways it is something of a comedy equivalent of Taxi Driver. The problem is they are so far different in tone and quality that it really is ridiculous to even compare them. Also, Travis Bickle is just a way more sympathetic character when compared to Ronnie, but that's kind of why it's an unfair comparison.

I like the sentiment of the movie and the brutally honest, dark humor that comprises it, but sometimes it just feels so sleazy in the pit of your stomach that it can be a little overwhelming. Overall it's still humorous and irreverent, but it lacks something of an inherent charm and I'll admit it's sometimes odd to see Rogen in the role.

It definitely seems like a character Danny McBride would be perfectly fit to play, which makes sense given Jody Hill's common usage of him as his lead. Hill is great at delivering us a truly repulsive cast of darkly realistic characters, but sometimes it's almost too much to handle and the film was almost in need of one or two grounded characters to complement Rogen and the others.