Observe and Report

Released: 2009

MPAA rating: R

Run time: 1:26

Lots of people rip "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" for being too bland, too vanilla, too kid-friendly. Personally, I laughed a lot at "Paul Blart: Mall Cop", but I was also intrigued at a more adult-oriented take on the same theme when I saw trailers for "Observe and Report". Well, from where I sit, the "hack, kiddie" version was far better than this movie. Seth Rogen plays Ronnie Barnhardt, a mall security guard who thinks he is so much more. When a flasher is stalking the mall parking lot, he is determined to be the one to solve the case, which puts him in direct competition with Detective Harrison (Ray Liotta). He is also trying to impress cosmetics counter girl Brandi (Anna Faris). Much like "Paul Blart", he manages to get one date with her, which does not go well. (Side note: How does Seth Rogen manage to always do love scenes with co-stars who insist on keeping their bra on?) The movie just doesn't hit the mark comedically. For the first two-thirds, I think I maybe laughed once. The final third has some good comedic moments, but by that time, it's too little, too late. I have also noticed that, although she is funny herself, Anna Faris often finds herself in the worst comedy movies (most of the "Scary Movie" series, for example). Even a pretty good performance by Patton Oswalt doesn't save the movie. In fact, he probably should have been given a bigger part. So, if you're looking for a funny mall security movie, make it "Paul Blart: Mall Cop". I wanted to like this one better, it was just not to be.

Grade: D+

Trailer: