Mall Cop: Finally, a Funny ‘Family’ Film

Kevin James, the solo superstar in this film is most notably known for wearing another uniform that of an UPS delivery guy in the television shows King of Queens. This TV star has now crossed over to film and carries the movie just fine! He’s actually very funny in Mall Cop and the best part – it’s rated PG so a wide variety of ages will be able to view the film. I’m happy that I attended the film with a full audience as the theater was nonstop laughter and at the conclusion of the film real enthusiastic ‘applause’ erupted.

What’s so funny about this film? Picture an overweight guy in a security guard uniform, driving a segway as it were a motorcycle with a serious determined look on his face. Paul Blart takes his job very seriously at the mall, even though his co-workers are slackers who think he’s crazy for trying to bring a sense of importance to the job.

He’s a single parent raising his pre teen daughter since her Mexican heritage mom has taken off after marrying Paul and gaining her US citizenship. Dad and daughter live with his Mom, played by Shirley Knight who tries to mend Blart’s sorrows by cooking his favorite dishes. Food is a big part of the comedic elements in the movie and Blart has some unusual tastes; pie mixed with peanut butter is one of them. Mom also tries to help Paul’s love life by setting him up on a dating website. The video of Paul’s skills on his segway are hysterical that accompany his dating profile.

Paul’s new love interest is a cute girl, Amy played by Jayma Mays at the mall who manages a wig and hair- piece kiosk. She’s sweet and is one of the few who are impressed by Paul’s segway riding as he gives her a memorable ride around the mall and outside to her car. Amy gives Paul her cell phone number and suggests they text each other. Paul is smitten and begins a hurried search for a cell phone, since he doesn’t own one. His friend at the cell phone kiosk in the mall lends him the use of his grounded teenage daughter’s phone, which only adds to the comedy.

Kevin James’s skill in riding the segway at high speeds illustrates the image that is comical in Mall Cop.At one time Blart had his heart set on becoming a law officer with the New Jersey State Police, but couldn’t pass the obstacle course due to his low blood sugar count. He struggles with low glycemia levels which cause fainting spells and he passed out before the course finish line. Blart has resigned himself to the fact that he will not become a policeman but acts as though he is one at his mall job. This is a good thing because when the mall is taken over by a wild bunch of hoodlums, Bart sticks to his oath of protecting the mall regardless of the consequences.

Blart keeps his sugar count in check by downing sugar pixy sticks throughout the day, which is also a comical sight. The film focuses on James and his good guy character. He’s the underdog and when given the chance to prove himself it’s hard not to jump out of your seat and help.

At one point, when Blart’s asked to surrender during the hostage takeover of the mall, he responds by shouting, “You can meet me on the corner of Nev and Er streets because I said NEVER!” He’s both serious and inventive during these scenes and you’ll be cheering him on as the audience I attended the viewing with did. Steve Carr’s direction is great because the tone of the film is comedic yet he handles the seriousness of the situation with genuine importance.

Sarah Adamson © 2009