Modestly funny Kevin James (TV's King of Queens) plays the title character—a porky, dedicated security guard at a New Jersey mall—in Steve Carr's inexplicable box-office smash Paul Blart: Mall Cop. Saddled with a new rookie partner (Keir O'Donnell), Paul unwittingly teaches the young man—who is actually the brains behind a gang of thieves, working undercover in preparation for a massive heist—everything there is to know about gaming the mall's security system. When he's accidentally left behind during an evacuation staged by the robbers to facilitate their big haul, Paul launches into a Die Hard-style solo mission to thwart the thugs' plans and rescue a group of hostages that includes a pretty young salesgirl (Jayma Mays) whom Paul fancies. There's something of the late John Candy in star James, but he's sabotaged by weak scripting, lackluster direction, and—with the exception of O'Donnell—a poor supporting cast. Not recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by star Kevin James and producer Todd Garner, deleted scenes (12 min.), and 11 production featurettes, including: “Stunts” (11 min.), “Action Sports Junkies” (7 min.), “On Set with Mike ‘Rooftop' Escamilla” (6 min.), “Fun on the Set” (6 min.), “Kevin James: Not Your Average Mall Cop” (5 min.), “The Mall” (5 min.), “Mike V vs. Mall Cop” (3 min.), “Free Running vs. Parkour” (3 min.), “Mall Cop Response” (2 min.), “Thoughts with Kevin James” (2 min.), and “Sugar” (2 min.), as well as trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a bonus digital copy of the film and the BD-Live function. Bottom line: a fine extras package for an unimpressive comedy.] (E. Hulse)
Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Sony, 91 min., PG, DVD: $28.98, Blu-ray: $39.95, May 19 Volume 24, Issue 3
Paul Blart: Mall Cop
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