The packaging of "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" is hardly attractive. Kevin James plays the plus-sized mustache boasting security guard without an ounce of good looks or moves. And then there's the name: Blart. It doesn't exactly role off the tongue or inspire thoughts of romance.
But there is charm within Blart. He's the lovable loser, the endearing idiot, and above all, the guy who trips over his heart far too often.
"Paul Blart: Mall Cop" is the story of a down-on-his-luck security guard, who dreams of being in the NJ State Troopers and finding a wife and mother for him and his daughter. In the meantime though, he approaches his job with enough enthusiasm and passion to fill the mall's hundred retail stores. When a band of criminals try to rob the mall of its Black Friday riches, Blart sets himself on a mission to be a hero.
Considering low expectations due to name and concept, "Paul Blart" is a surprisingly enjoyable family film. James, though not as funny as his stand-up or "King of Queens" self, is a capable leading man and carries the weight of Blart's burden with ease. The rest of the cast is forgettable, with love interest Jayma Mays looking and feeling like a cheap Anna Faris.
Overall though, "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" is a cute enough movie that's carried by James throughout. Perhaps he'll be able to parlay this role into more comical roles, but for now, he's just the unattractive mall cop named Blart.
Ted Simmons
Paul Blart: Mall Cop
The packaging of "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" is hardly attractive. Kevin James plays the plus-sized mustache boasting security guard without an ounce of good looks or moves. And then there's the name: Blart. It doesn't exactly role off the tongue or inspire thoughts of romance.
But there is charm within Blart. He's the lovable loser, the endearing idiot, and above all, the guy who trips over his heart far too often.
"Paul Blart: Mall Cop" is the story of a down-on-his-luck security guard, who dreams of being in the NJ State Troopers and finding a wife and mother for him and his daughter. In the meantime though, he approaches his job with enough enthusiasm and passion to fill the mall's hundred retail stores. When a band of criminals try to rob the mall of its Black Friday riches, Blart sets himself on a mission to be a hero.
Considering low expectations due to name and concept, "Paul Blart" is a surprisingly enjoyable family film. James, though not as funny as his stand-up or "King of Queens" self, is a capable leading man and carries the weight of Blart's burden with ease. The rest of the cast is forgettable, with love interest Jayma Mays looking and feeling like a cheap Anna Faris.
Overall though, "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" is a cute enough movie that's carried by James throughout. Perhaps he'll be able to parlay this role into more comical roles, but for now, he's just the unattractive mall cop named Blart.
