Observe and Report Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bipolar mall cop dreams of being a real cop and uses a flasher as his ticket to the big leagues, but mostly just makes things worse.

🍿 Observe and Report: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Ronnie Barnhardt and Forest Ridge Mall

Ronnie Barnhardt, a bipolar mall security head, dreams of becoming a real police officer. He patrols Forest Ridge Mall with his team, dealing with minor offenses. He’s shown to have an inflated ego and questionable methods. His world is disrupted by a series of events that challenge his perceived authority and competence.

The Flasher and Detective Harrison Arrive

A flasher begins terrorizing women in the mall’s parking lot, grabbing Ronnie’s attention. Simultaneously, a rash of robberies plagues the mall. Detective Harrison from the city police is called in to investigate, much to Ronnie’s annoyance. He views Harrison as a rival, hindering his chances of proving himself. Ronnie becomes obsessed with catching the flasher, hoping to impress Brandi, a cosmetics counter worker he is infatuated with.

Ronnie’s Descent and Ill-Fated Romance

Ronnie’s attempts to impress Brandi lead to disastrous results, including a date where he gives her his bipolar medication, resulting in a questionable sexual encounter. His psychological evaluation for the police academy fails, shattering his dreams of becoming a real officer. Ronnie’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, leading to violent outbursts and poor decisions.

Betrayal and Reckoning

Ronnie’s friendship with fellow security guard Dennis takes a dark turn when Dennis reveals himself as the mall thief. Ronnie is betrayed and spirals further. He attempts to catch the flasher on his own, leading to a confrontation with Detective Harrison and his eventual arrest. He loses his job and hits rock bottom.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ronnie Barnhardt (Seth Rogen): A bipolar mall security guard with delusions of grandeur who dreams of becoming a real police officer.
• Brandi (Anna Faris): A vapid and promiscuous cosmetics counter girl who is the object of Ronnie’s misguided affection.
• Detective Harrison (Ray Liotta): A cynical and dismissive police detective who is tasked with investigating crimes at the mall, much to Ronnie’s chagrin.
• Dennis (Michael Peña): Ronnie’s loyal but ultimately corrupt best friend and fellow mall security guard.
• Nell (Collette Wolfe): A kind-hearted doughnut counter worker who sees through Ronnie’s facade and offers him genuine affection.
• Flasher (Randy Gambill): The pervert who terrorizes women at the mall, becoming Ronnie’s primary target.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ronnie Barnhardt: “I’m gonna need a warrant to search that dildo.” – Ronnie says this to Brandi while investigating a potential suspect, showcasing his inappropriate and unprofessional demeanor.
• Ronnie Barnhardt: “My jurisdiction? This is my world, lady! You’re just living in it!” – Ronnie yells this at a customer, highlighting his inflated ego and sense of authority.
• Ronnie Barnhardt: “I’m gonna put my foot so far up your ass, you’re gonna taste my shoe polish!” – Ronnie’s aggressive and over-the-top threat to a potential suspect, demonstrating his intense and often misguided approach to law enforcement.
• Ronnie Barnhardt: “These are dangerous times, Dennis. It’s time for drastic measures.” – Ronnie says this to his coworker, foreshadowing his increasingly unhinged behavior throughout the film.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $18,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $24,007,324
• Worldwide Gross: $26,973,554

💥 Observe and Report Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a laugh riot, but I got something much darker and weirder. Seth Rogen’s character is truly messed up, and it made me uncomfortable at times. The scene where he’s with Anna Faris’s character is…intense. Still, there’s a strange charm to the film, and I appreciate that it took risks. I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone, but if you’re into dark comedies, it’s worth a watch. The mall shootout scene is so unexpected!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedy”
  • “Viewers who appreciate controversial humor”
  • “Those interested in character studies of flawed individuals”
  • “Fans of Seth Rogen’s more unconventional roles”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Disturbing themes”
  • “Potential triggering content related to sexual assault”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Observe and Report is a polarizing film that pushes boundaries with its dark humor and unlikeable characters. While some will find it hilarious, others will be turned off by its offensive content and questionable morality.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Seth Rogen delivers a committed performance as a mentally unstable mall cop, but the film struggles to find a consistent tone. The humor is often mean-spirited, and the plot meanders, leaving the audience unsure of what to feel.

Audience Reactions

The film’s dark humor and willingness to push boundaries were both praised and criticized.: Seth Rogen’s performance as the delusional mall cop was a standout, even if the character was unlikeable.

Overall Consensus: Observe and Report is a divisive dark comedy with an unlikeable protagonist and shocking content. It is not for everyone, but some viewers appreciate its boundary-pushing humor and Seth Rogen’s performance.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Seth Rogen was originally considered for the role of Ronnie Barnhardt.”
• “Anna Faris’s character was initially written as much more antagonistic but was softened during filming.”
• “The film’s dark humor and violent content led to mixed reactions upon release, with some critics finding it offensive while others praised its satirical edge.”
• “Several scenes were filmed at the Northpark Mall in Ridgeland, Mississippi.”

🖥️ How to Watch Observe and Report?

Observe and Report is available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Observe and Report, you might like these similar films:

• Superbad (2007): Shares a similar brand of raunchy, unapologetic humor and awkward characters.
• Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009): Features a mall security guard, though with a much lighter and family-friendly tone, allowing for direct comparison in the premise of mall security.
• Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009): Presents another example of a deeply flawed and morally ambiguous law enforcement officer, exploring similar themes of corruption and mental instability.
• Taxi Driver (1976): Explores a similar descent into madness and vigilante justice from a troubled protagonist, but with a more serious and dramatic tone.

🛒 Observe and Report Related Products

• Observe and Report [Blu-ray]: Own the dark comedy on Blu-ray for a high-definition viewing experience. A great addition to any Seth Rogen fan’s collection.
• Seth Rogen: This Is The End [Digital Content]: Stream or download another Seth Rogen dark comedy, where celebrities play exaggerated versions of themselves facing the apocalypse.
• The Foot Fist Way [Blu-ray]: Check out Jody Hill’s previous work. Before Observe and Report, he directed this martial arts comedy masterpiece starring Danny McBride.
• Eastbound and Down: The Complete Series: From Jody Hill, relive Kenny Powers’ saga in this complete series box set. Includes all four seasons of hilarious mayhem.

🎧 Soundtrack

Observe and Report features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “When I Paint My Masterpiece” – performed by The Band
• “Where Is My Mind?” – performed by The Pixies

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Observe And Report reviewed by Mark Kermode

Ever wonder if ‘Observe and Report’ actually landed its dark humor? Kermode doesn’t hold back in this review, and honestly, his rant is kinda legendary. Check it out and see if you agree!

Aziz Ansari in Observe and Report Chick-fil-A Scene

Aziz Ansari absolutely kills it in this Chick-fil-A scene from ‘Observe and Report’! It’s a quick, hilarious moment that perfectly captures the movie’s awkward and edgy vibe. You gotta see it!

Observe And Report- Postcard From Dennis

Want a quick taste of the weirdness that is ‘Observe and Report’? This ‘postcard’ from Dennis is all you need. Seriously, this guy is something else – you’ll be laughing in seconds, trust me.

✨ Rate