Jody Hill

Blu-Ray Review: Seth Rogen, Anna Faris in Hilarious ‘Observe and Report’

BrianTT — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:13:05 -0600

CHICAGO – All of you DVD and Blu-Ray buyers who lament the neverending flow of slapstick comedies that basically all feel and look the same owe it to director Jody Hill and star Seth Rogen to rent or buy “Observe and Report,” one of the best comedies of the year to date and one of the most daring movies of the last several years.

Blu-Ray Rating: 4.5/5.0

The ads made “Observe and Report” look like nothing more than a variation on “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” or, even more inaccurately, a romantic comedy with Rogen and co-star Anna Faris. Audiences weren’t sure what to expect and, consequently, stayed away. “Observe and Report” should have been pitched to the arthouse crowd, one that could handle a film with extensive drug use, male frontal nudity, extreme violence, and even arguable date rape. This is material not for the faint of heart. It’s not a movie for everyone.

Observe and Report was released on DVD and Blu-Ray on September 22nd, 2009.
Photo credit: Warner Brothers Home Video

However, if you think that comedy needs to be dangerous every once in a while just for the overall health of the genre, you owe it to yourself to see “Observe and Report,” especially fans of Hill’s “Eastbound and Down” on HBO or even those who enjoyed Rogen’s “Pineapple Express”. This is that brand of dark humor.

Observe and Report was released on DVD and Blu-Ray on September 22nd, 2009.
Photo credit: Warner Brothers Home Video

Working from a script reportedly inspired by “Taxi Driver,” Rogen gives the best performance of his career as Ronnie Barnhardt, a bipolar mall security guard with serious mental issues. And I mean serious. One of the things I like about “O & R” is its recognition that slapstick-y characters like Paul Blart are probably a little crazy. He lives alone with his alcoholic mother (Celia Weston), spends way too much time at the gun range, and pines after the makeup-counter girl (Anna Faris).

When a flasher targets Ronnie’s mall, our “hero” believes he’s found his purpose in life. He can save the mall and get the girl, one of the flasher’s first targets, and maybe even graduate to actual police officer in the process. Only Detective Harrison (Ray Liotta) stands in his way. Assisting Ronnie are his right-hand man Dennis (Michael Pena) and twin guards John and Matt (John and Matt Yuan). He gets emotional support from the sweet-and-cute coffee girl Nell (Collette Wolfe).

“Observe and Report” could have been a wacky Will Farrell comedy but it’s much more subversive than its plot set-up. Around halfway through, around when Ronnie goes off his meds, “Observe” becomes honestly dark and violent. Ronnie basically descends into madness and Hill walks a tight rope of comedy and tension. You’re not suppose to like Ronnie. You’re not supposed to root for him. And you’re probably not going to be surprised if the film ends in a hail of bullets (and I’m not saying that it does or doesn’t).

Observe and Report was released on DVD and Blu-Ray on September 22nd, 2009.
Photo credit: Warner Brothers Home Video

Comedy is such a “medicine” genre, one that works hard to make you happy but great comedy can also make you feel uneasy and put you on edge (think “After Hours” or “Something Wild”). One late scene features a police officer who says “I thought this would be funny, but it’s just sad.” The line could describe the conflicting tones within the film itself.

It’s not a film for everyone, but too many films already are and those looking for something different should check out “Observe and Report”.

The Blu-Ray for “Observe and Report” is a beauty, featuring several extended and deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, and a commentary with Hill, Rogen, and Faris. The last feature is a little unusual in that it’s available only as a picture in picture commentary and even the trio can’t seem to figure out why people would want to watch them watch the movie. Then again, maybe such an unusual movie deserves an atypical commentary track. A digital copy is also included.

‘Observe and Report’ is released by Warner Home Video and stars Seth Rogen, Anna Faris, Ray Liotta, Celia Weston, Michael Pena, John Yuan, Matt Yuan, and Collette Wolfe. It was written and directed by Jody Hill. The film is available on Blu-ray, DVD, On Demand, & Digital Download on September 22nd, 2009. It is rated R. Check out the official site here.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

DVD Review: HBO’s Hilarious ‘Eastbound and Down’ Gets Great Release

BrianTT — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:00:00 -0600

CHICAGO – Danny McBride (“Pineapple Express,” “Land of the Lost”) gave one of the best TV performances of the last several years as the over-the-top anti-hero of HBO’s hysterical “Eastbound & Down,” a sitcom about a raging a-hole sports star brought back to Earth and forced to work as a gym teacher in the small town he grew up in, now available on DVD.

DVD Rating: 4.0/5.0

Kenny Powers is a giant, raging, alcoholic catfish in a small pond. He used to have it all - endorsements, trophies, a million-dollar contract. As his steroid-enhanced skills declined, the fact that Kenny Powers was also a total a-hole came to the surface and he was run out of professional sports (MLB fans familiar with the true story of John Rocker will see some of that in this fictional take).

Eastbound and Down: The Complete First Season was released on DVD on June 30th, 2009.
Photo credit: HBO Home Video

After leaving baseball, Kenny returns home to live with his brother (John Hawkes) and sister-in-law (Jennifer Irwin) and teach at the North Carolina middle school that he once attended. He tries to work his way back into the life of his teen-years girlfriend (the underrated Katy Mixon), who also teaches at the school and happens to be engaged to the dorky principal (Andrew Daly).

Eastbound and Down: The Complete First Season was released on DVD on June 30th, 2009.
Photo credit: HBO Home Video

Powers also operates under the delusion that not only is he still famous but that he will one day pitch in the majors again. So, he tries to use his fame at events like one at a local car dealer (a fantastic Will Ferrell, appearing in two episodes) and takes steroids again in his pursuit to re-find his fastball. Drugs, cheap sex, unbelievable profanity, and general obnoxiousness are a way of life for a man who listens to his own audio book (“You’re F**kin’ Out, I’m F**kin’ In”) for inspiration.

Over six hysterical episodes, “Eastbound & Down” feels like nothing else on television. It’s more like a six-part, three-hour comedy feature film, a feeling enhanced by the superstar cast and great team behind the camera, including producers Ferrell and Adam McKay and directors Jody Hill (“Observe and Report”) and the great David Gordon Green (“Pineapple Express,” “Snow Angels”). One of the best American filmmakers of his generation directed a half-hour comedy earlier this year. Even if you’re not a TV fan, you should see it.

The DVD from HBO treats Kenny Powers like the star he is in his own mind. The episodes look better-than-average for standard DVD in 16x9 widescreen and the sound is more than adequate in English 5.1 Dolby Surround. HBO has long led the way in TV and produced some amazing DVD season sets, but they really should be offering every show, especially one as acclaimed as “Eastbound & Down,” on Blu-Ray. It’s disappointing that this is only available on standard, even if it’s a great standard release.

The special features are extensive and interesting, including several audio commentaries, some very funny outtakes and deleted scenes, “Making Eastbound & Down,” “Kenny Powers: Greatest Hits,” “Schaeffer Motors Commercials,” and “Steve’s Dark Secret”.

It’s unlikely, but if there’s any Emmy justice, “Eastbound & Down” will get a couple of nominations later this month (check out our feature about that) and season two has already been announced. Check out the great first season DVD and jump on the bandwagon before Kenny Powers really becomes a household name again.

‘Eastbound & Down: The Complete First Season’ was released by HBO Home Video and stars Danny McBride, Katy Mixon, John Hawkes, Andrew Daly, Ben Best, Jennifer Irwin, and Steve Little. It was created by Ben T. Best & Jody L. Hill & Danny R. McBride. The show was released on June 30th, 2009. It is rated TV-MA.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Seth Rogen Delivers in Controversial, Hilarious ‘Observe and Report’

BrianTT — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:12:28 -0600

Rating: 4.0/5.0

CHICAGO – The hysterically misleading TV spots for Jody Hill’s “Observe and Report” make it out to look like another broad comedy that might even have a cute romance between stars Seth Rogen and Anna Faris. There’s nothing cute or predictable about “Observe and Report”. And that’s precisely why it works.

Those ads are like suckering family viewers into a Kevin Smith movie by advertising that he did a voice in the animated “Doogal” or pitching “Tropic Thunder” to the crowds that really liked that family-friendly Ben Stiller in “Night at the Museum”. Audiences have no idea what they’re in for.

Read Brian Tallerico’s full review of “Observe and Report” in our reviews section.

Drug use, extensive frontal nudity, extreme violence, date rape - this is material that’s not for the faint of heart. If you were remotely offended by last year’s Rogen vehicle (“Pineapple Express”) find another movie for this weekend’s date night. “O&R” pushes the envelope to a level that will be well beyond the breaking point for a lot of viewers and I understand that. It’s not a movie for everyone.

However, if you’re like me and you think that comedy should be dangerous every once in a while just for the health of the genre, then get in line. Sometimes, humor should make you uncomfortable. I would never dare to suggest that everyone will fall for the very dark jokes of “Observe and Report,” but aren’t you exhausted by the predictability of modern movie comedy? Don’t you sometimes want to see something completely different? Aren’t you tired of movies that you could write yourself simply based on watching the TV spots?

‘Observe and Report’ stars Seth Rogen, Anna Faris, Michael Pena, Ray Liotta, Collette Wolfe, and Celia Weston. It was written and directed by Jody Hill. It opens on April 10th, 2009. It is rated R.

Continuing reading for Brian Tallerico’s full “Observe and Report” review.

Anna Faris as Brandi and Seth Rogen as Ronnie.
Photo credit: Peter Sorel and Warner Brothers

Slideshow: 23-Image Gallery From ‘Observe and Report’ With Seth Rogen, Anna Faris

BrianTT — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:11:30 -0600

CHICAGO – This 23-image slideshow contains the press images for Warner Brothers’ “Observe and Report,” starring Seth Rogen, Anna Faris, and Ray Liotta. Written and directed by Jody Hill, the film opens on Friday, April 10th, 2009.

Synopsis: “At the Forest Ridge Mall, head of security Ronnie Barnhardt (Seth Rogen) patrols his jurisdiction with an iron fist. The master of his domain, he combats skateboarders, shoplifters and the occasional unruly customer while dreaming of the day when he can swap his flashlight for a badge and a gun.

Ronnie’s delusions of grandeur are put to the test when the mall is struck by a flasher. Driven by his personal duty to protect and serve the mall and its patrons, Ronnie seizes the opportunity to showcase his underappreciated law enforcement talents on a grand scale, hoping his solution of this crime will earn him a coveted spot at the police academy and the heart of his elusive dream girl Brandi (Anna Faris), the hot make-up counter clerk who won’t give him the time of day.

But his single-minded pursuit of glory launches a turf war with the equally competitive Detective Harrison (Ray Liotta) of the Conway Police, and Ronnie is confronted with the challenge of not only catching the flasher, but getting him before the real cops. ”

You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos credited to Peter Sorel and Warner Bros. Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

observe_and_report_01: Michael Pena as Dennis, Jesse Plemons as Charles and Seth Rogen as Ronnie.
observe_and_report_02: John Yuan as John Yuen, Seth Rogen as Ronnie, Michael Pena as Dennis and Matt Yuan as Matt Yuen.
observe_and_report_03: Anna Faris as Brandi and Seth Rogen as Ronnie.
observe_and_report_04: John Yuan as John Yuen and Matt Yuan as Matt Yuen.
observe_and_report_05: Michael Pena as Dennis, John Yuan as John Yuen, Seth Rogen stars as Ronnie, Jesse Plemons as Charles and Matt Yuan as Matt Yuen.
observe_and_report_06: Seth Rogen stars as Ronnie.
observe_and_report_07: Seth Rogen stars as Ronnie.
observe_and_report_08: Anna Faris stars as Brandi and Seth Rogen as Ronnie.
observe_and_report_09: Seth Rogen as Ronnie and Collette Wolf as Nell.
observe_and_report_10: Seth Rogen stars as Ronnie.
observe_and_report_11: Director Jody Hill and Seth Rogen on the set.
observe_and_report_12: Seth Rogen as Ronnie and Ray Liotta as Detective Harrison.
observe_and_report_13: Dennis (Michael Pena) and Ronnie (Seth Rogen) ogle the passing girls.
observe_and_report_14: Anna Faris as Brandi and Seth Rogen as Ronnie.
observe_and_report_15: Seth Rogen stars as Ronnie.
observe_and_report_16: Seth Rogen stars as Ronnie.
observe_and_report_17: Celia Weston as Mom and Seth Rogen as Ronnie.
observe_and_report_18: A reporter (Debra-Jayne Brown) interviews Ronnie (Seth Rogen) for the local news.
observe_and_report_19: Anna Faris as Brandi.
observe_and_report_20: Michael Pena as Dennis.
observe_and_report_21: Seth Rogen stars as Ronnie.
observe_and_report_22: Seth Rogen stars as Ronnie.
observe_and_report_23: Anna Faris as Brandi and Seth Rogen as Ronnie.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

TV Review: Danny McBride Delivers Comedy Heat With HBO’s ‘Eastbound & Down’

BrianTT — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:40:29 -0700

Television Rating: 4.5/5.0

CHICAGO – Danny McBride had an amazing 2008, stealing scenes in “Tropic Thunder” and finding comic gold with director David Gordon Green in the great “Pineapple Express”. McBride, Green, director Jody Hill, and producer Will Ferrell have teamed up for the six-episode HBO comedy series “Eastbound & Down,” one of the most laugh-out-loud, promising comedy premieres in a long time.

It’s impossible to judge an entire show based on a first episode and it helps to have directors like Jody Hill and David Gordon Green (who also directed the excellent “Snow Angels” last year) behind the camera to start, but I thoroughly enjoyed “Chapter 1” of “Eastbound & Down” from first scene to last. It’s easily the best thing that McBride has done in a lead role (he and Hill also worked together on “The Foot Fist Way”) and a show that would make people who may have canceled HBO to save some cash think twice about it.

Danny McBride and John Hawkes in HBO’s “Eastbound & Down”.
Photo credit: Fred Norris/HBO

Danny McBride plays Kenny Powers, a character who feels loosely based on Atlanta’s John Rocker. Once a superstar relief pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, Powers let his mouth and his bad behavior destroy his career. With no filter on his rampant racism, sexism, or homophobia, Powers was a black eye on baseball who fell deep into drug use and steroids before his career ended with a whimper.

Danny McBride in HBO’s “Eastbound & Down”
Photo credit: Fred Norris/HBO

“Several sh*tty years later,” Powers is back home in North Carolina, teaching physical education at the middle school he once attended, living with his brother Wayne’s (John Hawkes) family, pining after his old girlfriend (Katy Mixon) and continuing his unbelievably obnoxious ways. He does cocaine in the back room of the local watering hole, haggles with hookers in his sister-in-law’s living room, and swears like Tony Montana.

With a raging mullet and ridiculous facial hair, McBride gives a performance in “Eastbound & Down” that is likely to be massively underrated. He’s both a caricature of an obnoxious redneck and someone who feels completely believable at the same time. Kenny is an overgrown child who was given the ability to have all of his dreams come true because of the excess of sports. Now, he’s just a big, stupid fish in a little pond, constantly running into the shore.

The great Hawkes (“Deadwood”) anchors the lead character’s more over-the-top behavior in realism, and there’s an honest sadness in Powers fall from grace that adds depth to the barrage of f-bombs that I hope is developed in future episodes.

Ben Best and Danny McBride in HBO’s “Eastbound & Down”.
Photo credit: Fred Norris/HBO

My biggest concern about “Eastbound & Down” is that it will be ALL childish behavior and vulgarity for all six episodes. There’s room to go either way with “Eastbound” after the premiere and maintain the show’s strong start or descend into repetition. Can they keep this up for six episodes without getting boring? Will we really care about Kenny when the joke grows old? It certainly doesn’t in just 30 minutes, but I’m worried about the ability to keep the show fresh in the later innings. The short order - only six episodes - definitely gives me pause.

“Eastbound” is not for the easily offended. Powers is a raging jerk who swears more than a drunk truck driver and cracks jokes that would make a lot of people turn away in disgust. Personally, I think Green and McBride have found something sublimely brilliant by dropping an ego-centric, crazy SOB back into the bible belt that created him. When someone like Kenny Powers becomes a household name, can he possibly be turned back into an average gym teacher?

Wherever it goes from here, the premiere of “Eastbound & Down” is just damn funny. Kenny’s response to the kid in gym class who says “My dad said you ruined baseball” is worth tuning in for by itself. “Eastbound” had me laughing from the very beginning and more consistently through its first thirty minutes than anything in a long time.

A lot of the humor may be juvenile, but “Eastbound & Down” hit my funny bone like a fastball, which simply cannot be said about a lot of TV’s recent scripted comedy. I’m still not sure he’ll make it a full nine innings, but I can’t wait to see Kenny Powers take the mound again.

‘Eastbound & Down,’ which airs on HBO, stars Danny McBride, John Hawkes, Katy Mixon, Ben Best, Andrew Daly, and Jennifer Irwin. The series premiere, directed by Jody Hill, airs on Sunday, February 15th, 2009 at 9:30PM CST.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com