by Vanessa Stewart on July 8, 2009

Bobby Cannavale, Jayma Mays, Kevin James, Mall Cop, Paul Blart, Raini Rodriguez

You know that funny that’s just so embarrassing, like it could be slapstick but it’s not because it’s too true? Paul Blart: Mall Cop resides somewhere between there and the super uncomfortable embarrassment that shows up with Ben Stiller in Meet the Parents. There’s no doubt that Kevin James is a funny man. But he’s also endearing as a single dad with a hispanic daughter who lives with his mom (his wife left him after obtaining her green card).

He takes his job seriously as a mall cop with such care and determination even though all those around him not only don’t care, but make fun of him for caring. He’s even encouraged to give up and let the mall fall to bad guys rather than play the hero. “I took an oath to protect this mall and everyone in it,” he replies. “But we don’t have an oath,” counters his boss. “I made one up, sir.” This is Paul Blart, unknown hero extraordinaire! He’s an inspiration to everyone who loves what they do regardless of how much you’re supposed to hate your job.

There are several good supporting roles including Bobby Cannavale (Cupid), who plays the FBI “hero,” Raini Rodriguez, who plays his endearing daughter and Jayma Mays, “Amy,” his from afar mall love. If you don’t mind uncomfortable silences and the occasional fat joke, you’ll enjoy Paul Blart: Mall Cop.

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