OK for kids 12+
Kevin James' slapstick comedy will amuse older tweens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that since this slapstick comedy is set in a mall, it features a tremendous amount of consumer/product integration. As a result, almost every scene includes a real mall store or restaurant. There are lots of humorous pratfalls -- but the criminals also threaten to kill people and use guns, and there are a few explosions. Several jokes target the obese (including the main character). The language is mostly confined to insults (though there's at least one use of "s--t," as well as a couple uses of "hell," "ass," and "oh my God"), and the sexuality is limited to flirting, a kiss ... and an extended scene set in Victoria's Secret.
- Families can talk about whether the movie's mall setting makes its brand/product placement more or less obvious. Are all of the stores and brands distracting, or are they just part of the scenery? Do you think that has more or less impact than other kinds of product placement?
- Families can also discuss the appeal of "underdog" heroes. What makesPaul an underdog? How does he overcome the odds?
- The movie makesseveral references to his weight, as well as featuring sight gags aboutobese women. Is it OK to poke fun at some groups but not others? Why orwhy not?
The good stuff
-
Messages: Positive themes of heroism and the importance of doing one's job well, no matter the task. But lots of fat jokes too.
-
Role models: An overweight security guard is bound by honor and devotion to the mallhe protects. Unlikely people show extraordinary bravery. A young girlwants to help her father find a wife. On the other hand, many jokes aremade at the expense of the obese.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Criminals take hostages at gunpoint and attempt to kill Paul Blart. He's beaten up but also bests various thieves. Most of the violence is humorous, but occasionally one of the criminals says something about threatening to "off" a hostage (including a child) or blow cops up, etc., and there are a few explosions. But there's no blood -- just bruises from all of the physical comedy.
-
Sex: There are discussions about romantic relationships, dating, online dating, and hooking up. Two characters kiss. During an altercation with a woman, her blouse is pulled up, and viewers can see her bra for most of the scene. Also, an extended scene takes place in Victoria's Secret.
-
Language: A couple of stronger words (including one "s--t," as well as "ass," "hell," and "oh my God"), but mostly insults about Paul Blart: "fat," "stupid," "loser," etc.
-
Consumerism: Since the film is set in a mall, tons of chain stores are featured, shown, or at the very least mentioned -- including Victoria's Secret, Hallmark, Sharper Image, Kay's, Lord & Taylor, Orange Julius, Dunkin Donuts, Williams Sonoma, Teavana, Legal Seafood, Hello Kitty, Zale's, McDonald's, and more. Also visible: Rock Band, PlayStation 3, Rainforest Café, and Paul's ubiquitous Segway.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Paul and his co-workers go out for happy hour, and he drinks so much that he gets very drunk.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
mall cop by pookiegirl
FUNNY!!! Kevin James is great
4
You will never look at the mall cops the same!! by cindyt72
A must see for anyone looking for a feel-good...genuinely funny movie!!
5
Paul Blart Mall Cop by mothra4522
GO SEE IT. Don't listen to those STUFFY movie reviewers who actually get PAID to sit on a stick!.This movie was Light & Funny & thoroughly Enjoyable. A FEEL GOOD movie. Laugh Out Loud. The audience in my theatre CLAPPED when it was over. Kevin James might be fat..But the boy can bust a move. Go See IT...For ALL AGES........
5
Really funny! by cloudy9
I just saw this movie about an hour ago. I loved it. I'm almost 38 and thought it was a very funny movie. I haven't laughed in awhile and this not only made me smile but I laughed out loud too! Definately go see this movie, it will put you in a happy mood! Kevin James is great in it and just as good as ever. :)
5
Great !!!! by cilly321
Loved it, finally a good clean movie, compared to some of the terrible junk out there, i am surprised a t some of the reviews, why would some parents rate this bad? you finally have a decent movie to take your kids to, sure there some violence, you cannot tell me that you dont sit there and watch worse on the tv at home in fornt of your kids. Thank you Kevin James for making a film that the WHOLE family can go see :)
5
Must Goo DUDE (or DUDETTE) by butter_me_up__
The best! Could not get better. Recomend it for ALL ages not scared of guns. Super funny and unpredictable! Action action and MORE action!! I sat on the tip of my bum the whole time it was that intense! Not a big fan of action? Well me neither but this was THE best. This movie is a total MUST SEE!!!
5
BLEW MY PREDICTION AWAY! by bsperoz
When I heard of this i thought "typical happy madison"...but was i ever wrong. After seeing hotel for dogs and loving it, i thought nothing could beat it. then i met paul blart. What started out cautiously later proved to be a good thing. I can't wait for the Blu-ray to come out. It may seem straight foward-fat mall cop who has sheer dumb luck. WRONG. I don't wanna give away too much, but with a fairly high amount of big twists and even bigger turns, this movie beat "Hotel For Dogs" down to #2 for the year, placing itself at the "I HAVE to see this again" 1st place.
4
Cute and good for laughs by Lgoaliefan
I went with my husband and sister and we all enjoyed the movie. It is good for laughs.
2
P.Blarter and Jelly by Daydream
I was shocked to hear that this movie was the top box office hit the week it was released. Paul Blart is a predictable mindless snoozer. With Kevin James as the star, I was looking forward to some good laughs, but was sadly disappointed. Its hard to think of anything positive about this movie; there was one stand-out scene which helped me enjoy his film for a little more than 10 minutes. Sorry Kevin James fans this one's a rental.
4
Clean family humor by dragoncharmer
This was a good family movie. Although there are some scenses that are not so directed to the younger viewers, it sure gave us a good healthy laugh. I would suggest this for anyone who has kids old enough to appreciate the simple humor and antics.