Paul Blart: Mall Cop

  • 2009-04-02
  • By Justinas Vainilavicius

SWEET JUSTICE: Unable to pass his test at the police academy, Blart is stuck with his job as a mall cop

"Paul Blart: Mall Cop" is not just another stupid comedy stuffed with vulgar jokes and a countless number of f-words. It is an unexpectedly pleasant and light-hearted film, which is more than suitable for all family members.

It all starts with a mall security guard named Paul Blart (Kevin James) who is trying to become a policeman. He was successfully going through an obstacle course during the exam, but despite an impressive build failed to finish it 's passing out just before the end because of his hypoglycemia. 

Depressed and in low spirits Paul, cheered only by his mother and daughter, continues his work in the local mall. He soon meets shopkeeper Amy (Jayma Mays) and falls in love with her on the spot. The plot does not provide any surprises and the story revolves  around Paul's romance and work, which he takes very seriously even though the rest of the staff seems not to be that excited and enthusiastic 's when they can be bothered at all.

The entire film is peppered with a fair amount of jokes and comical situations, including a dog run over by a Segway, and Paul crashing into the display car. The comedy is neither witty nor really amusing, but the genuine slapstick humor, reminiscent of children's cartoons, warms the audience, especially young movie-goers.

Action and fast plot development fans will also find this film involving. The appearance of Veck Sims (Keir O'Donnell), who wants to be a security guard because he lacks education, is not a random one, and holds some surprises later on in the plot. Paul teaches him the art of security guarding, ending up in yet another awkward situation. And another one. And another, until the film finally ends.

The film heats up as bandits try to rob the mall, giving Paul the chance to finally prove his worth after suffering from the constant pity and mockery of the other staff. The filmmakers teach a simple moral lesson, common in every other similar comedy, about a good heart, high principles and choosing the right priorities.
That does not make "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" any less banal, but the fact that it has already become a worldwide blockbuster is surprising. Probably the perky comedy with a simple, yet amusing plot and good comedians is what sells in today's market.
 

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