The security guard is an oft-maligned figure in movies and TV. He’s constantly depicted as a law enforcement wannabe who’s not fit to be a cop, and so he lives out his desperate control fantasies as a guardian for truth and justice in that last bastion of American consumerism: the shopping mall. Kevin James, from the TV sitcom The King Of Queens, stars in the lead role of Paul Blart: Mall Cop. Blart is a poor schmo who lives in New Jersey with his mother and young daughter--his wife having dumped him once she became a U.S. citizen. Blart is eager to serve as a cop, and even tries out to be a New Jersey State Trooper, but he washes out, thanks to his hypoglycemia, which is chronic low blood sugar that causes Blart to faint away.
But, no matter. If Blart can’t be a real cop, then he’ll be a security
guard--or a security officer, however they wish to call it--at the local mall,
where he valiantly protects the throngs of shoppers, especially on that most
busy, and sacred, of shopping days, Black Friday. However, when a gang of
thieves take over his beloved mall, Blart’s really going to have to step up and
save the day. Co-written and co-produced by James, Paul Blart: Mall Cop is a
funny little film that doesn’t try to be anything more than what it is: an enjoyable romp that manages to make fun of action film clichés. And James is so enthusiastic in the role of Blart--he attacks it with such gusto--that you can’t help but want to go along for the ride.
If there’s any downside to this ride, it’s that it takes its sweet time in
getting moving. But once the caper is on, the fun increases as we basically
enjoy a comedic retelling of Diehard that’s set in a mall. The entire cast--which
includes Shirley Knight as Blart’ mother--is very good. And the villains are
played by a team of X-game athletes, whose antics on skateboards, bikes and
various other things provide some good eye candy. The DVD has the usual fun
stuff--which contains commentaries, deleted scenes, and several short making of documentaries.
But the movie itself is recommended if you’re looking for a good, gentle comedy
that the whole family can enjoy.
--SF
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