As I walked into the crowded theater to view ‘Paul Blart: Mall Cop,’ I knew it wasn’t going to be the most intellectually inspiring film, but I was at least ready for a good laugh.’ Too bad I didn’t get that either.’ In the midst of all the never-ending fat jokes, I only started to laugh a couple of times.
Considering the audience started clapping when the opening credits were rolling, I questioned if it was really for the movie or the fact that the previews finally came to an end.’ To my surprise Mall Cop generated $33.8 million in its opening weekend.’ It may have stolen the box office, but critics and reviewers like me have been left wondering why.
Paul Blart (Kevin James) is a single-father living with his mother (Shirley Knight) and daughter (Raini Rodriguez).’ After failing the state trooper test he remains a dutiful mall security guard, which he later debates should be security ‘officer’ instead of ‘guard.’ Heavy stuff we’re dealing with here, no pun intended.
Blart is the target for obvious fat jokes that don’t get better as the movie goes on.’ He is also the clumsiest mall cop ‘- excuse me, security guard ‘- as he constantly falls, slips and runs into objects.
While surveying the mall perimeters, he spots Amy (Jayma Mays) and finds love at first sight.’ Or should I say klutz at first sight?’ While trying to impress her with his strange and worthless facts, Blart fails any chance of being suave and we get more of the same awkward character.
Unbeknownst to Blart, a team of thieves have shut down and secured the mall with hostages, one of them being his beloved Amy.
It’s Blart’s time to step up and be the hero who saves the mall and his loved ones.’ Some of the thieves he tries to outsmart are professional skate-boarders and X-Game racers. The main thief, Veck (Keir O’Donnell) lacked convincing evil characteristics every villain should have.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘
While I didn’t find the fat jokes and clumsy falls side-splitting, there were some people laughing.’ When I looked behind my seat, I found a row of eight-year-old girls giggling.’ At least they found it enjoyable.
Two out of five stars.
