WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
Picking up six years after the events of the first film, director Andy Fickman takes the helm for this continuation of the life of now-“famous” mall security guard Paul Blart (Kevin James), whose success has since taken a few hits, thanks to some unexpected issues in his personal life. Alleviating this sudden downturn in fortune, though unbeknownst to him, Blart’s teen daughter Maya (Raini Rodriguez) gets some great news about college just as he gets a notice about being a key part of a major security convention in Las Vegas. The two head out, hoping to both enjoy the experience. Upon arrival, however, initial mishaps, misunderstandings, and miscellaneous hijinks begin as Blart both tries to feel a bigger part of the security guard community by attempting to bond with fellow convention attendees while also having to accept that his daughter is growing up and desiring her own identity. As if the circumstances could not get more complicated for the oft clueless Blart, the arrival of a high roller named Vincent (Neil McDonough) and his entourage spells trouble for the hotel when it turns out gambling is the least of their interests while staying there. Further unintended situations initially elevate Blart’s status at the convention, only to come crashing back to reality when Maya ends up running afoul of Vincent and his crew. And when that danger calls, Paul Blart answers, bringing the full measure of his considerable “skills” and “daring” to the rescue. Hilarity ensues.
Many will actually disagree with this, in this day and age of overtly crude and obscene material being the standard of humor, when this reviewer firmly states that the movie is exactly the kind of whimsical, goofy, off-the-wall, cheesy, lighthearted, cheerful, tongue-in-cheek, and most importantly, good natured comedy there needs to be more of. It is the heralding back to other oddball, albeit more classic overall, efforts like “Airplane“, “The Naked Gun“, and “Hot Shots” that makes this sequel and its predecessor work as some good ole fashioned fun! Don’t think, don’t over analyze, don’t expect something from the movie that you honestly shouldn’t. Kevin James is one of the modern masters of this type of slapstick, pratfall-based humor, and once again delivers on that exact tangent here, infusing Blart with the innocent, over-the-top naiveté that just screams to be laughed at because it is just silly, witty, idiotic absurdity. Rodriguez also gives us a wonderful performance as Blart’s long-suffering daughter who’s simply trying to be a young woman in the midst of chaos. A great supporting cast, anchored by McDonough hamming it up as yet another crazy villain, along with priceless moments from Daniella Alonso, Nicholas Turturro, Loni Love, Gary Valentine, and Shelly Desai all provide straight up, enjoyable, entertaining guffaws. Folks, let yourself relax, sit back, forget anything that is remotely serious, abandon thoughts of the Oscar film you just watched on Blu-Ray, and let a jovial, laid-back, playful viewing experience unfold via “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2”.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
