Paul Blart: Mall Cop

Starring: Kevin James, Jayma Mays, Keir O’Donnell, Peter Gerety, Bobby Cannavale, and Adam Ferrara

Written by: Kevin James and Nick Bakay

Directed by: Steve Carr

This could be the simplest review I’ve ever written.

If you don’t like Kevin James you’re not going to see this film anyways.

If you like Kevin James it is certainly worth a watch.

If you are indifferent to Kevin James you will be indifferent to this movie.

There is absolutely nothing special about this film. It is a typically outlandish and stupid movie about a character who commits to something far more than he should, add a few unconventional characters, and a stereotypical attractive female lead, and sit back and watch the hilarity ensue.

Now me? I am a fan of Kevin James, so I enjoyed the film quite a bit, but I certainly understand anyone who didn’t like it.

The film works only because Kevin James commits 150% to it and that is where all the humor comes from. The only problem is that the rest of the film doesn’t really commit to anything. It’s all kind of just there. From Blart’s tired fellow employees, to his romantic interest, to the villainous Veck who dares to become a mall cop to gain inside information for a heist he plans.

There is almost nothing believable about the film, but I don’t think the filmmakers really care either way. I could go on but really the first part of the review says it all. If you like Kevin James, watch it for him, otherwise skip it unless you have nothing else to watch.

C