Paul Blart 2 disappoints

Movie:  Paul Blart Mall Cop 2

PG, 1 hour 34 minutes

Grade:  C-

In a Nutshell:  If you really like Kevin James (I do) and his physical humor (ouch!), you won’t mind the simple plot and weak script too much.  If not, you might want to skip this one.

One of the characters in the movie calls Paul Blart a “misshapen superhero.”  He was certainly a lovable character in the first movie, although this sequel  spends more time on the size of his cape than on his endearing, deluded personality.   Maybe that’s a good thing, because he becomes rude and obnoxious in this second one.

As Paul says: “Always bet on Blart.”  Unfortunately, the critics hate this movie and aren’t betting on it at all.

Uplifting Theme:

·         “We live as we dream.” – Joseph Conrad

·         Courage comes in all sizes.

Things I liked:

·         I finally got to ride a Segway for the first time on a San Antonio city tour back in February with my hubby and we loved every minute.  They’re definitely as much fun as Paul Blart makes them look.  He’s really good at doing tricks on them!

·         I thought it was funny when Paul pounced on a “bad” person and jiggled his large body, thereby smooshing the victim until the person gave up.  I used to do that to my kids.

Things I didn’t like:

·         It feels like an infomercial for the Winn Resort in Las Vegas.  (Beautiful hotel, by the way.)  At the end of the movie, you get to actually see Steve Wynn and his wife.  Sadly, they both look awkwardly plastic.

·         The movie also feels like a UCLA recruiting ad.

·         There are a lot of moments that are produced to draw laughs that fall flat.  I actually did hear a few people laugh in the theater a couple of times though.  Kevin James co-wrote the movie with his long-time writing partner, Nick Bakay.  When they were drunk?

·         Both Kevin James (Paul Blart) and Maya (Raini Rodriguez) look like they have gained a lot of weight since the first movie.  Of course, I have too…

·         There are two hotel workers who fall in love with Paul and Maya.  The unlikely romances are pretty forced and feel like slapstick.

Funny lines:

·         “Security is a mission, not an intermission.” – Paul   

·         “My body’s fine.  Turns out it’s my ego that got hit.” – Paul, after taking one of his many hits in the movie

·         “Is it me or did he smell like tobacco and vanilla?” – Paul

·         “What’s the motive?”  Do you have a lot of money?” – security guy at the hotel

“Define a lot.” – Paul

“Any?” – security guy at the hotel

“No.  I don’t have any.”  - Paul

·         “Is it warm in here or did I order my next uniform from Rochester Big and Humid?” – Paul

·         “It’s a bad day to be bad people.” – Paul

·         “Are you ok?” – Female cop

“Nope. But I’ve never been better.” – Paul

Tips for Parents:

·         Because the film takes place in Las Vegas, you will see gambling, drinking, and scantily clad women.  Welcome to Las Vegas, Baby.  I live in Vegas, so I always get a kick out of seeing views of the Strip in movies.  Thanks to all those tourists, we pay no state income tax!  There’s a scene when one of the guard’s wives is holding a GIGANTIC glass of booze.  That’s how we locals can tell who the tourists are…the locals are the ones carrying big bottles of water.