Cast
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Seth Rogen
as Ronnie Barnhardt
Ray Liotta
as Detective Harrison
Anna Faris
as Brandi
Michael Peña
as Dennis
Dan Bakkedahl
as Mark
Jesse Plemons
as Charles
John Yuan
as John Yuen
Matt Yuan
as Matt Yuen
Celia Weston
as Mom
Collette Wolfe
as Nell
Randy Gambill
as Flasher
Alston Brown
as Bruce
Cody Midthunder
as D-Rock
Debra-Jayne Brown
as Female Reporter
Aziz Ansari
as Saddamn
Crew
Director
- Jody Hill
Writer
- Jody Hill
Producer
- Donald De Line
Reviews
Andre Gonzales
Not the greatest movie. Really funny though. He always dreamed of becoming a cop. He runs his security team at the mall like he's the captain. They spend most of the movie trying to catch a male flasher.
Jul 21, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Observe and Report examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Jody Hill brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2009, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Observe and Report took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $18.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2009, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Observe and Report shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Kingdom, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Observe and Report offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Kontroll and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam explore similar territory, Observe and Report stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 10, 2009
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Budget: $18,000,000
- Revenue: $24,007,324
