From January 16-22, the number one movie in America was Paul Blart: Mall Cop. It made $43 million. 43 Million Dollars! I’m amazed.
Every year, there is some awful movie that is marketed and advertised for months before it’s release. Every year, I think “there is no way this movie will do well.” And every year, said movie is a success. I just don’t understand it.
Lets take a look at Paul Blart: Mall Cop.
Is it a sequel or a spin-off?
No, it appears that this is an original idea. I could go on about how that makes the movie even sadder, but instead, listen to Patton Oswalt talk about Death Bed.
Is it a good idea for a movie?
An inept rent-a-cop. It sounds funny for 30 seconds. An obvious joke everyone makes when they are in a mall. A joke that gets a chuckle and everyone moves on. Somehow, it’s going to get stretched into a 90 minute comedy.
Does it have any stars?
It has Kevin James. I guess people like King of Queens, but I wouldn’t consider him much of a star. He was a co-star in Hitch & I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, but I’m guessing Will Smith and Adam Sandler were the bigger draws in both those films.
Does it look funny?
Sometimes a comedy like this will have a funny trailer that includes all of the best gags. This trailer does not have any funny scenes. It’s just 2 minutes of a Segway and Kevin James falling down and running into people.
Are reviews good?
Nope, 27% on Rotten Tomatoes. One of the positive reviews states, “Laughs occasionally ensue.” I wonder if it happens the first time Kevin James falls down.
Why did so many people go see it?
I don’t know. I mean, it’s a weak year for the Oscars, but there are better options than this. Outside of that, it’s PG so maybe it’s just the family effect. Even then, stay home and save some money and just re-watch WALL-E.
I am pretty sure its going to be awesome.