Kevin James stars as Paul Blart, an insecure “mall officer” who takes his job very seriously!  He has attempted to become a regular police officer, but unfortunately is unable to pass the physical exam, due to a few extra pounds.  He now patrols his mall on his snazzy Segway looking after the innocent shoppers.  Although he is insecure, he manages to talk to Amy, played by Jayma Mays, (who also stars in my new favorite show, Glee!), hoping to bloom a relationship with her.  When the mall is terrorized by a clan of organized criminals, Paul vows to protect the mall and the innocent bystanders that are being held hostage (Amy included).  He becomes the eyes and ears on the inside, and strives to take down the gang himself.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop is filled with slap-stick laughs throughout.  If Kevin James is in in the movie, we pretty much know it is going to be funny!   I will say that the funniest parts of the movie were in the previews so when I actually saw the clips in the movie, it didn’t have nearly as much bang.  Most of the comedy came from Paul running into windows, falling, or getting hit.  Pretty easy stuff to laugh to.  The plot was extraordinarily simple, and a bit predictable.  But, all in all, a good laugh.

I think Paul Blart: Mall Cop deserves 2.5 stars.  It was an easy movie to laugh to, but if you are looking for a creative comedy with twists and turns, I would suggest looking for a different flick.