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Observe and Report

Play trailer Poster for Observe and Report R 2009 1h 26m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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51% Tomatometer 208 Reviews 37% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
As head of security at the Forest Ridge Mall, Ronnie Barnhardt (Seth Rogen) takes his job very seriously, enforcing mall rules with an iron fist. When a flasher strikes Forest Ridge, Ronnie sees a chance to display his unappreciated cop skills and bring the felon to justice, and, at the same time, impress his dream girl (Anna Faris) and win a coveted spot at the police academy.
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Observe and Report

Observe and Report

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Critics Consensus

Though it has a mean streak, and does not cater to all tastes, Observe and Report has gut-busting laughs and a fully committed Seth Rogen in irresistible form.

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Critics Reviews

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Tom Charity CNN.com Apr 10, 2019
More than once, writer-director Jody Hill teases out the slippy, gray area between a subversive gross-out gag and something unsettlingly misogynist. He wants to push buttons, and he's talented enough to get away with it. Go to Full Review Paul Byrnes Sydney Morning Herald May 14, 2009
2/5
Much of the movie is just plain vicious. At best, it's sad and grotesque, rather than hilarious. Go to Full Review Tim Robey Daily Telegraph (UK) May 7, 2009
1/5
Writer-director Jody Hill thinks he's trying to push the envelope but doesn't know in which direction, or why. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Jan 2, 2026
2/4
A hit-and-miss curio. Go to Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Dec 1, 2023
3/4
The film’s tone is somewhere between Napoleon Dynamite and Taxi Driver, in an unexpected and clever way. Go to Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Nov 29, 2020
8/10
In-your-face and out-of-control, but very wickedly funny. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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David S @IH8Phags69 Aug 17, 2026 I've never been more bored in my life!!! See more Steven F. @SteveGotScored Feb 20, 2026 By far my favorite Seth Rogen movie! See more vihaan b @VihaanBodwal Feb 18, 2026 I don't get it why people don't like this film.A comedic version of the "Taxi Driver". See more mark g @Mark_Alan_G. Oct 25, 2025 Mean, ugly, and funny as hell. Don't get me wrong, I know why many object to the content here, it's strong. But to me, that's the beauty of the film. It's Jody Hill stuff, not for the weak or easily offended. Rogen and Farris are invested, to say the least, as are Pena and others. See more Matheus F @matheusf_neto Aug 26, 2025 The chemistry between Ray Liotta and Seth Rogen is perfectly hilarious. Jody Hill is one of the best directors/writers of comedy films and HBO Tv Shows where Danny McBride shines. See more AMJH 4 @Tony1978 Jul 3, 2025 I absolutely LOVE this film! It's hilarious and SO quotable, which is the 2 important/key ingredients for me in comedies. It's unbelievably underrated. Yes it's dark, but I STILL seriously believe its one of Seth Rogens best and funniest films and roles. See more Read all reviews
Observe and Report

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Jody Hill

Director

Seth Rogen

Ronnie Barnhardt

Ray Liotta

Detective Harrison

Michael Peña

Dennis

Anna Faris

Brandi

Dan Bakkedahl

Mark

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Observe and Report

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Movie Info

Synopsis As head of security at the Forest Ridge Mall, Ronnie Barnhardt (Seth Rogen) takes his job very seriously, enforcing mall rules with an iron fist. When a flasher strikes Forest Ridge, Ronnie sees a chance to display his unappreciated cop skills and bring the felon to justice, and, at the same time, impress his dream girl (Anna Faris) and win a coveted spot at the police academy.
Director
Jody Hill
Producer
Donald De Line
Screenwriter
Jody Hill
Distributor
Warner Bros.
Production Co
De Line Pictures
Rating
R (Graphic Nudity|Drug Use|Pervasive Language|Sexual Content|Violence)
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 10, 2009, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 2, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA)
$24.0M
Runtime
1h 26m
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