Paul Blart: Mall Cop (PG-2009)

Kevin James continues the transition from TV star to movie star with a very funny performance in "Paul Blart: Mall Cop". James plays a lonely mall security guard who can not seem to pass the State Police physical tests. One of the kiosk girls, Amy (Jayma Mays), catches his eye and he decides to make a play for her. Amongst all of this, a group of bandits seize the mall, take hostages and are looking to obtain the credit card data from all of the stores. Paul Blart finds himself in the position to rescue the girl he loves by taking down the crooks one by one. After some early establishing material, some of which is very funny, the film settles in to a beat-by-beat spoof of "Die Hard" which works perfectly. James pulls off the physical humor very effectively and makes Blart a very funny, if not pathetic, hero. The movie was produced by Adam Sandler's production company and some of Sandler's signature elements are present: cast members you will recognize from any Sandler film and a pop music soundtrack that is fantastic. The humor in this movie is aimed at a family audience, so there is nothing too risque or controversial here. This is by no means a classic comedy, but it is definitely a good time at the theatre. I will disclose that I am a huge Kevin James fan, so perhaps I am biased, but a packed house was laughing out loud throughout the film. James made a smart move by hitching onto Sandler's team. Say what you want about Sandler, but the guy knows how to pump out hits.

Grade: B

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