Edition:
January 23, 2009
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Movie Reviewers
This week’s double feature includes two very different family-friendly films. “Mall Cop” is from Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore Films, and “Hotel for Dogs” is from Nickelodeon Studios. On one hand, we see a man-child performing lame, but sometimes humorous antics without the aid of bathroom humor, and on the other, pure fun for the whole family.
‘Paul Blart Mall Cop’
There’s a difference between simple and simplistic, but if you came to laugh at silly slapstick, “Mall Cop” will deliver, although sporadically. Kevin James (TV’s “King of Queens”) takes the pratfall to a whole new level. The story, co-written by James, is mostly uneventful, predictable and, sometimes, even uncomfortable.
If you laughed at the movie trailers, you’ve seen the funniest scenes. But this rent-a-cop’s rolls, trips and slides might be worth seeing in context. In this spoof of the urban commando films, “Mall Cop” might also be called “Die Hard with the Munchies.” James continually pokes fun at his appetite, portliness as well as his other physical limitations.
However, James is actually a gifted athlete trapped in an oversized “super-structure.” He demonstrates enough nimble moves on the Segway to be a spokesperson or a one-man ad campaign. But in between, his attempt at a semi-sweet romantic relationship is a distraction. Specifically, the 40-something Blart (James) has a crush on fellow mall worker, Amy (Jayma Mays, “Epic Movie”), a petite, 20-something “Polly Purebred.”
Not only is there little chemistry between this would-be couple, Blart’s hovering just seems kind of creepy; even with Barry Manilow’s “Weekend in New England” creating a mood. But, the real fun begins when evil X-Games stars attempt to take over this New Jersey Mall (filmed in Burlington, Massachusetts). They will have to face: The Mall Cop!
“Paul Blart Mall Cop” is 87 minutes and rated PG for some violence, mild crude and suggestive humor and language. Mall rats and other civilians will identify with this setting and might even crave a Cinnabon at the food court. “Mall Cop” has its moments, but validates that age-old proverb, “Dumb is in the mind of the beholder.”
Ron’s Rating: C+ Leigh’s Rating: D
‘Hotel for Dogs’
In this smart family adventure, kids and their pets are the stars. In this case, Emma Roberts (“Nancy Drew” and niece of Julia Roberts) and Jake T. Austin (“The Perfect Game”) are rated “best in show.” And, a rascally Jack Russell terrier and a pack of his co-stars get their chance for what David Letterman calls “stupid pet tricks.”
“Hotel for Dogs” sounds like a place we once stayed in Mesquite. But this warm and fuzzy film is packed with humor, pathos and imagination. Pet lovers may find this better than a Eukanuba dog show, but, surprisingly, the story has more meat than Alpo. A team of writers address the serious topic of adoption (pets and people) without preaching and without talking down to kids. Most importantly, it manages to be remarkably entertaining.
Teen orphans Andi and Bruce (Roberts and Austin) are shuffled from one foster home to the next while hiding their dog Friday. Their current guardians, played by Lisa Kudrow and Kevin Dillon, are so negligent they should be spayed and neutered. Fortunately, a sympathetic social worker, Bernie (Don Cheadle “Hotel Rwanda”) watches out for them.
When underdogs Andi and Bruce discover a boarded up hotel, they use “inn-experience” to create a combination doggie home and amusement park for Friday and the local strays. And best of all, they successfully keep the evil dog catchers at bay. Everything goes much better than planned until, eventually, they need to answer the pivotal question, “Who let the dogs out?” You knew that was coming, right?
“Hotel for Dogs” is 100 minutes and rated PG for brief, mild thematic elements, language and some crude humor. Overall, this is a very sweet cast. But, if you remember years ago, Lisa Kudrow was actually funny, really. Anyway, this kind of film is like seeing a dog walk on its hind legs. It’s not how well it’s being done; it’s that it’s being done at all.
Ron’s Rating: B Leigh’s Rating: B
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