Plot: What’s it about?
Paul Blart: Mall Cop hit theaters in January 2009 and was the first movie of 2009 to cross the $100 million dollar mark. Yep. That happened. Tell me how that makes sense.? A mere six years have passed and, miraculously, we’ve not yet been treated (tortured?) with a sequel. Well my friends, the wait is over. Though I have to ask myself this: what was it about Paul Blart: Mall Cop that audiences found so intriguing? The story was co-written by Kevin James, who’s no stranger to comedy. He did a fine job in Hitch with Will Smith, co-starred in I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (which has a little more relevance now) and has become the comic relief in the Grown Up‘s films. And then there’s Zookeeper – the less said about that the better. Still, even as I dread this part, I’ve got to do my duty. so without further ado…Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2.
Picking up a few years after the events of the first film, we find that Paul Blart (Kevin James) has lost his wife and mother. However, a security convention in Las Vegas will surely help soothe his pain, right? Paul, with daughter (Raini Rodriguez) in tow, head to Sin City for a little Daddy/Daughter bonding time. In a staple of any Happy Madison production, we know that the film takes place at the Wynn hotel and casino. Yes, the Wynn. Now you know. But this isn’t your ordinary convention as Paul finds himself smack in the middle of an international art-smuggling ring led by Vincent (Neal McDonough, who actually does make a very convincing villain…something about the eyes). Can Paul once again save the day? Will Kiss somehow be involved? And, more to the point, do we really care?
The answers to the aforementioned questions are, respectively, “Yes”, “Yes” and “No.” You’re welcome. One thing I’ll say for the film is that you can pretty much take it at face value. Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 delivers essentially what it’s supposed to and doesn’t pretend to be something more. It knows that it isn’t and never will be. While it doesn’t have the charm (yes, the original had charm) of its predecessor, this one is all over the map. Or should I say all over the Wynn casino because that’s where the movie takes place. Did you miss that? I found the movie somewhat entertaining during a few parts, but by and large it was like getting hit in the head by a blunt object – I kind of woke up scratching myself and wiping the drool from my mouth. I can’t believe they didn’t use that quote for the back of the box. Anyway, watch at your own risk. Or don’t – I don’t care.
Video: How’s it look?
Despite the content, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 looks pretty darn good on Blu-ray. The scenery has changed from a suburban shopping mall to the glamour and glitz of Las Vegas, so there are some moments where the transfer really shines. The 1.85:1 AVC HD transfer looks solid with bright colors. Detail is razor sharp and you can see every bead of sweat on Paul’s face and every hair of his mustache. This is consistent with pretty much any day and date Blu-ray release and sports a stellar transfer.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack isn’t that robust, but it does contain a few instances in which my head was tilting. Dialogue is the main draw here, but there are a few gun shots, explosions (yes, really) and the ever-present Segue hums away like there’s no tomorrow. Yes, by and large comedies aren’t that strong on the audio front and this is no exception though those few scenes do remain memorable. It’s an above average effort and again consistent with what comedies should sound like.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- Gag Reel – Nine, count ’em, nine minutes of hijinks on the set.
- Deleted Scenes – Six total, though most are just extended versions of scenes already in the movie. Nothing mind-blowing here.
- La Reve – The Cirque du Soleil’ish show at the Wynn (remember, the movie took place at the Wynn casino) is shown with some comments by the cast.
- Security Force: The Cast of Paul Blart 2 – Some interviews with the cast and crew of the film in this standard featurette.
- Action Adventure – Director Andy Fickman discusses the stunts in the film and we get to see someone injured during the shoot. Cool.
- Back in the Saddle – The “saddle” in this case is the trademark Segue with some scenes of James and his stunt double doing some tricks.
- How to Make a Movie – Essentially Fickman wandering around the set looking for things to laugh at. If there was more to it then I must have missed it.
- No Animals Were Harmed – A more in-depth look at the bird attack on James’ character. Remember, no animals were harmed.
- Sales Tactics – James’ long time cohort and comedic friend (you’ll recognize him from other films that James has starred in) and his trials and tribulations trying to get one of his few lines correct. I smell an Oscar.
- Real Cops – Some real cops (hence the name) talk about James’ character. Ok.
- DVD/Digital HD Copy
The Bottom Line
There are movies that make you think, laugh, cry and long for more. Unfortunately this isn’t one of them. Granted there are a few humorous moments in this long-awaited (yes, really) sequel, but they’re few and far between. I’d watch the original for the same jokes and a better storyline. The Blu-ray looks and sounds good and it’s got a sampling of somewhat interesting supplements, but nothing that you’d ever watch again.
