Short Observation and Report

I just got back from seeing Jody Hill's latest film, Observe and Report. The ads make it seem like it's a stoner version of Paul Blart: Mall Cop, but even though I haven't seen the Kevin James vehicle, I think I'm on pretty terra firma that Hill's movie couldn't be more different.

Observe and Report is much more akin to such films as Bad Santa, Punch Drunk Love and Taxi Driver. Although it's admittedly not nearly as good as any of these movies - the tone and style is all over the map - it's good company to have.

Make no mistake: yes, this is a comedy, but a very violent comedy about a mentally ill sociopath. I think some of the controversy around this movie (a lot of it being generated by those who have seen the trailer and not the movie*) misses the point: there are very few laughs, if any, in Observe and Report that come from silliness or zaniness. The climactic scene, for example, had me laughing hysterically, but not because I thought it was wacky. I was laughing out of horrified shock and disbelief (a "holy fucking SHIT!" laugh, if you will). It's fucking insane.

It's truly a disturbing movie. But a ballsy and impressive one.

Beating kids mercilessly with their own skateboards,

James "Excessive Force" Comtois

*I realize I'm chastising people for commenting on a film they haven't seen shortly after referring to a film I haven't seen (Paul Blart). Those who have seen that film wanting to set me straight that Mr. James' character is indeed a Travis Bickle-esque ultraviolent sociopath are welcome to do so in the comments section.