An overman as described by Zarathustra, the main character in Thus Spoke Zarathustra, is the one who is willing to risk all for the sake of enhancement of humanity. In contrary to the “last man” whose sole desire is his own comfort and is incapable of creating anything beyond oneself in any form. This should suggest that an overman is someone who can establish his own values as the world in which others live their lives, often unaware that they are not pregiven. This means an overman can affect and influence the lives of others. In other words, an overman has his own values, independent of others, which affects and dominates others’ lives that may not have predetermined values but only herd instinct. An overman is then someone who has a life which is not merely to live each day with no meanings when nothing in the past and future is more important than the present, or more precisely, the pleasure and happiness in the present, but with the purpose for humanity.
From: Nietzsche’s idea of an overman and life from his point of view
Nietzsche's concept of the "overman" is what came to mind constantly throughout Observe and Report. The theory outlined pretty much sums out the actions of Ronnie Barnhardt throughout the film; in fact it relates to the actions of any sort of vigilante super hero. The reason I enjoyed this film is that it is a hilarious and dark look at the reality of vigilante justice; its just a dude who is delusional about his role in the world. But you can't help but love Ronnie; his actions are guided by some wayward but honest morals and you can appreciate his efforts. He does really want to make the world, or at least his mall a better place.
Sarah and I originally intended to see Adventureland but there was no contest when we realized that this movie was playing. What we did not anticipate was the ridiculous crowds the Hannah Montana Movie was going to be bringing in on this particular Friday afternoon. The line ups for popcorn where mind meltingly long and filled with anxious young girls and pre-teens. We also lost our Mars bar entering the theater, you will be missed mars bar.
I anticipated that from the preview people would think that this film was going to be like the Apatow films or Paul Blart Mall Cop but it really really isn't. It is a comedy but it smacks its audience around a bit. It's jokes are often offensive and it has some surprising violence, needless to say, I loved it. I believe it had a little touch of the Cohen brothers going on. I guessed correctly that the two old ladies sitting on the end of our row would leave and they did, right around the time Ronnie and his sidekick Dennis' montage of coke, liquor, heroin, violence and general mayhem began. I guess they didn't appreciate Ronnie's little detour into Dennis' anarchistic, chaotic realm. They should have had more faith in our protagonist.
Much hilarity due to a small part played by Aziz Ansari from Human Giant. "Why would I blow up the Chick Fillet?! That place is fucking delicious!" And Ray Liotta was an awesome pick for the cliched cop role.
Seth Rogen was amazing in this role, his face is so mean looking and he plays a wayward meathead so well!
"The world has no use for another scared man. Right now, the world needs a fucking hero."
I would like to finish this with a comparison between vigilante justice speeches since that is what kept popping into my head during this film.
