Observe and Report – Blu-ray Review

The Film:

I remember seeing a quote from Roger Ebert on Jody Hill’s Foot Fist Way stating to keep this movie far, far away from children. A dangerous and perverse comedy? Of course, I mean that in the most flattering way, because when the climax of this film hits, I was experiencing a masterstroke of pure genius. It’s the type of genius we do not know about until the person leaves the mental ward and decides to contribute something to society. Jody Hill is a dangerous comedic director that should leave every right winged, Glen Beck loving Republican in tears.

I will say though, early on I wasn’t sure if this film was funny. Sure, it had a few chuckles and a few hints at near demented brilliance, but I’ll bet that the climax, and you’ll know it when it happens, saves this film from being mediocre, making one rethink what you just saw. And what did I just see? A bat shit crazy comedy. I’ll fully admit that this film’s comedy isn’t for everyone. It hinges in between this world of subtle laughs and deranged dark humor, and only after its 100 minutes does it all fit together. I bet this plays better each time you’ll see it.

Of course, Seth Rogen is the man here. You came for him and him you will get. He says this line late into the film, “The world has no use for another scared man. Right now, the world needs a f*cking hero,” and I can’t help but believe that it’s true. Who is Seth’s character? He’s a man caught in this world of being something and being nothing. Money’s average, he lives at home with his drunken mother, he’s not in Brandi’s (Anna Farris) class, and the police department denies him to be an officer, a goal he secretly is aiming for. Then he gets laid off (well, it’s sort of his fault, but here me out). You see where I’m going with this? He’s us, the mad American, who’s belief in the American Dream is dead. That’s the key here to this film’s first step to success. He’s an average guy, works in a possible dead-end job, life is a struggle, and yet, in the end he succeeds and maybe not in the stereotypical fashion of success, but he wins.

Boom! Also, he gives us that hero, and in these times, something that hangs over the film a bit, we like him and he feels real, especially compared to that other mall cop movie that I loathed.

Observe and Report doesn’t succeed in the way you might think. It’s not a quick, digestible comedy, but rather a slow burn one, that gets funnier afterwards. Everything builds towards this climax I keep talking about, so if you’re on the fence, just wait-when it comes it will blast away any doubt and you’ll realize just how dangerous Jody Hill is, like Roger Ebert suggested, and you smile.

The Blu-ray:

Audio/Video: Comedies aren’t really know for the excellent home video high def presentation, and here all is pretty good. There are some artistic choices to make the film look like there is a filter to it, but everything in terms of clarity and detail are high. Colors are nice too, despite the softness from the look Hill wanted.

The audio feels very front heavy, with little surround use. The bass is appropriately punchy.

All extras are in standard definition, sadly.

Basically Training: Runs about 7 minutes and showcases what stunts Seth had to do.

Forest Ridge Mall Security: Recruitment Video: This is a ho-hum attempt as something funny and spoofy.

Seth Rogen and Anna Ferris: Unscripted: A short piece on their improv.

Behind the Scenes: This is the new video commentary WB has been doing and it’s pretty cool. Laid back and a fun listen, especially for the fans of Rogen and Hill.

Gag Reel, Extended Scenes, and Digital Copy round out the extras.

Conclusion: Dark, odd, and totally funny, Observe and Report is the under-appreciated comedy of the year. The Blu-ray is okay, but the extras are weak.

The Film: Rating:

The Blu-ray: Rating:

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