by Manny The Movie Guy

Created on: April 09, 2009

"Observe and Report" will be unjustly compared to "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" because both films feature main characters working as security guards in a mall. But the similarity ends there. "Observe and Report" is raw, edgy, and a far better film.

In "Observe and Report," the mall cop is played by Seth Rogen ("Zack and Miri Make a Porno," "Pineapple Express"). He stars as Ronnie Barnhardt, the head of security at the Forest Ridge Mall. He's a man on a mission.

Ronnie's mission is to protect his territory from criminal element. He takes his job too seriously that the tiny taste of authority he has been given has gone straight to his head. Ronnie's character is closer to "Taxi Driver's" Travis Bickle than he is to Paul Blart.

So when the mall is struck by a flasher, Ronnie's delusions of grandeur are put to the test. He hopes that his solution of this crime will help him earn a spot at the police academy, and win the heart of the girl of his dreams, Brandi (the always dependable Anna Farris), the hot makeup counter clerk.

But tensions arise with the arrival of Detective Harrison (Ray Liotta) who is equally competitive, cocky, and self-assured. Now, Ronnie, armed with only a flashlight, taser and modified golf cart must protect his turf from the real cops while trying to catch the elusive flasher.

Writer/director Jody Hill succeeds in defying genres in "Observe and Report." Hill, who showed promise as a filmmaker with the cult comedy, "The Foot Fist Way" deserves to get kudos for having the nerve to make a film that may offend some segment of the audience.

Instead of making a light, warm-hearted flick like "Paul Blart: Mall Cop," Hill chose to do a dark comedy with a strong character in its core. The mood of the movie is akin to "The Cable Guy."

But like the 1996 Jim Carrey film, "Observe and Report" has inconsistent narrative tone and the film lacks some character development. I wish the filmmakers expanded the supporting characters more specially the role of Celia Weston as our hero's mom. The relationship of Ronnie and his domineering mother adds an intriguing dynamic to his character.

For people looking for humor in their choice of movies, "Observe and Report" has enough funny scenes although the film's radical comedy may not suit everyone's taste. But the film's ending is hilarious and utterly satisfying.

Rogen did a commendable job playing the film's central character. The actor makes Ronnie likeable even though the role's main conceit is not exactly palatable. Rogen also succeeds in showcasing a man who will do anything to turn his dreams, as warped as they are, into reality.

"Observe and Report" is rated R for language, graphic nudity (yes, another male nudity), some sexual content, and violence. It's an intriguing and original comedy that is dark and mildly unsettling. Paul Blart will not touch this territory.

And for that, "Observe and Report" gets 3 observing and reporting kisses

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