Just as James struggles to make unfunny material tolerable, so too does the supporting cast fall flat.
Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:105
Fresh:36
Rotten:69
Average Rating:4.6/10
Consensus: Paul Blart: Mall Cop has some laughs, but its plot is flimsy and lacking in any sustained comic momentum.
Rated: PG [See Full Rating] for some violence, mild crude and suggestive humor, and language.
Runtime: 1 hr 31 mins
Genre: Comedies
Theatrical Release:20-03-2009
Synopsis: : Coming off the finale of television's popular sitcom THE KING OF QUEENS and 2007's I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY, funnyman Kevin James takes the role of a single dad in this largely... : Coming off the finale of television's popular sitcom THE KING OF QUEENS and 2007's I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY, funnyman Kevin James takes the role of a single dad in this largely physical comedy, which the actor also co-wrote. Paul Blart (James) is a hard worker, but has never landed his dream job of being New Jersey state trooper due to his excess weight. Determined to support his mother and his daughter, Blart takes the slightly less glamorous post as the security guard at his local shopping mall. He never complains, approaching the job with impressive diligence and pride, but doesn't get much respect for it. It's only when a group of misfits in Santa's Helper disguises take hold of the mall and several hostages that Blart's would-be cop smarts come in handy and he gets a chance to shine. With a deadly situation on hand, Blart may finally be able to show the world (and his romantic interest, who just happens to be one of the hostages) what he's made of. Though the villains have several advantages over him, Blart has a Segway scooter and a big heart on his side. While many of its jokes come at the expense of James's extra pounds, the film ultimately makes its star out to be a hero. With his everyman appeal, James is well-suited to play Blart, showing that even average Joes can make a difference with the right attitude. PAUL BLART: MALL COP takes the banal out of the shopping mall, infusing a familiar setting with energy, laughs, and high-stakes drama. [More]
Starring: Kevin James, Jayma Mays, Keir O'Donnell, Bobby Cannavale
Starring: Kevin James, Jayma Mays, Keir O'Donnell, Bobby Cannavale, Stephen Rannazzisi, Shirley Knight
Director: Steve Carr
Director: Steve Carr
Screenwriter: Kevin James, Nick Bakay
Producer: Adam Sandler, Jack Giarraputo, Todd Garner, Kevin James, Barry Bernardi
Composer: Waddy Wachtel
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Reviews for Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Men of a certain size will love Paul Blart - and his pursuit through the centre is remarkably inventive. Truly for all the family.
I suppose the food equivalent would be that nacho cheese that comes in a can with little chunks of jalapeño mixed in.
"I just love this guy," James says of Paul Blart in the movie's production notes. For the sake of humanity I hope and pray that barely anyone else shares his affection.
mostly this film spins its wheels not unlike the way that Paul spins the wheels of his mall-issued Segway%u2122.
To call this Kevin James comedy fatuous might be misinterpreted as an attack on the star's girth -- so how about inane, tepid, lazy, puerile, phony, and unfunny?
There's no doubt that James is a fine comedic actor and the role of Paul Blart fits his big frame like a well worn glove. As writers, however, he and Bakay rely too heavily on slapstick...
Once you’ve seen about the first 20 minutes of the movie, you’ve got a sense of what all of the jokes were going to be.
Give this to Paul Blart: Mall Cop: It delivers on everything it promises. Which is to say, nearly nothing.
The film's drawback seems to be (Kevin) James' indecision on a tone as well as how to present Blart.
Who could have imagined that, mere days into 2009, we'd already have a formidable contender for the worst film of the year!?
Like a mall, has long stretches where you see nothing of interest and a generally stale air to it. Unlike a mall, you can't just browse and then move on to a better section.
An almost shockingly amateurish one-note-joke comedy on which the star also shares writing and producing credit.
What's most disappointing here is that Kevin James appears capable of far more rich and subtle comedy than he's ever likely to be part of in a Happy Madison production.
The film is completely forgettable, frequently funny and weirdly satisfying in a Jersey Loser Gets Respect kind of way.
You might chuckle occasionally as the film drones on to a close, but mostly you'll be wondering when it will all end.
[James] plays yet another misfit, but one who's so two-dimensional, needy (and frankly annoying) that it's difficult to root for him.
The last name Blart may be the funniest thing in the movie, so that's a hint as to just how bad this shopping-center saga can be.
Latest News for Paul Blart: Mall Cop
May 21, 2009:
A babysitter's delight! ![]()
More...
May 18, 2009:
RT on DVD: Paul Blart and Valkyrie Storm Store Shelves
This week we ask if a certain January box office hit about a portly security guard in a shopping mall will continue its reign of success on home video (Paul Blart: Mall Cop),... More...
February 02, 2009:
Hollywood's Biggest January Ever ![]()
Thanks in part to "Paul Blart: Mall Cop," last month provided Hollywood with its first billion-dollar January. More...
January 25, 2009:
Box Office Wrapup: Paul Blart Triumphs Again
THIS WEEKEND Sony became the first studio in over a year to seize control of the top two spots at the box office as its Kevin James comedy Paul Blart: Mall Cop remained at... More...
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