A new entry into the burgeoning sub-genre mall cop comedies is "Observe and Report," one of Seth Rogen's 378 movies coming out this month. Unlike this year's earlier movie that centered on the protectors of America's retail super-centers "Paul Blart: Mall Cop," "Observe and Report" is much more adult fare. This comedy is rated R and for good reason. There isn't a segment that goes by without cursing or some form of extreme violence or drug use. The movie follows the exploits of bipolar Head of Mall Security Ronnie Barnhardt, played by Rogen, as his life begins to spin out of control. Ronnie's troubles start when a flasher starts to terrorize the female customers of the mall. Ronnie takes these attacks personally when Brandi, played by Anna Faris, "the most beautiful girl in the world," is a target of the pervert. Ronnie decides that the local officer put in charge of the case, played by Ray Liotta, isn't doing enough to stop the attacks so he decides to take the case into his own hands. With his crack team of mall security, including his hilarious right-hand man, Dennis, played by Michael Pena, he begins to track down the pervert. While investigating the pervert, a mall robbery occurs. Ronnie tries to take the lead on the investigation, but only succeeds in causing more problems for the cops. Ronnie doesn't realize this and decides that it is his destiny to become a cop. Thinking that his life is finally coming together, Ronnie stops taking his bipolar medication. Soon after, Ronnie's entire life falls down around his ears. At this point, the movie goes off the deep end. Ronnie and Dennis begin drinking and using drugs on the job, which leads to him severely beating some skate boarders, tazing a customer and even defacing the mall wall. The movie definitely delivers quality laughs but it feels rushed and broken up. Some scenes feel like they end too abruptly and this affects the flow of the film. The story lines are jumbled throughout the movie, never truly focusing on anything apart from Ronnie. The other characters interact with Ronnie but none of them try to outshine Rogen, although Pena does manage to steal a few scenes. This is Rogen's movie and everyone knows it. Not that this is a bad thing, as his character is what really carries the film. Writer and director Jody Hill specializes in creating characters that are completely clueless and self-involved, as he does here with Ronnie. Danny McBride also makes a hilarious cameo in the film as a drug dealer who uses his son to sell crack, but treats him like an honor student. This movie is not for the squeamish. There is plenty of violence and a few scenes throughout the movie with graphic male nudity. While "Observe and Report" isn't for everyone, if you enjoy copious amounts of swearing, some serious violence and over the top mall cop action, then you would be remiss not to observe what this movie has to offer. t&c;
Mall cop delivers laughs, justice
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