If you thought that the malls of America have been severely insecure since 2009, you'll be pleased to know that Paul Blart is back for Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2! Don't believe us? Watch the trailer below, and confirm that this isn't a fever dream!
That's right, folks, Sony Pictures felt that after almost six years in the shadows, Kevin James is ready to take it back to the mall! Except this time, he's heading on the road to Las Vegas, the town that's so secure no one could possibly try to hit the casinos and make off with a gigantic bankroll. But just like Danny Ocean before him, in steps Neal McDonough and his crew of thugs ready to rob the strip blind. The only thing standing in between the bad guys and a lot of loot is a mall cop from New Jersey who can work a Segway like a magician.
Like it or not, the original Paul Blart: Mall Cop made a decent chunk of change at the box office in 2009. Decent enough that it probably won't hurt Sony's bottom line to make another, moderately priced sequel to cash in on the first film's notoriety. The problem with a film like Paul Blart: Mall Cop isn't the fact that it's been regarded as just a poorly made comedy. The real problem is the fact that the series plays in the action and comedy ballparks without making one or the other enough of a priority to impress anyone. It's full of weak jokes that make for good trailers, but it's full of action so tame that it's practically written for the TBS weekend lineup.
Still, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 manages to cast some decent actors, and it doesn't rock the boat for those who enjoy a mild comedy. Not to mention, Sony is in a bit of a tight spot as a company at the moment, so you can't really blame them for going back to a franchise that's made them somewhat successful. Happy Madison's relationship with Sony has been good to both parties, and they don't seem to be getting out of the business anytime soon. Though, judging on how Blended showed at the box office this summer, it might be the movie going public that's getting out of the business.
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 reports for duty on April 17, 2015. Though if you thought the trailer above was interesting, you should see how this movie is being sold overseas. For the morbidly curious, click over to page 2 for the Australian trailer.
Now the most interesting part about the international trailer is the fact that while the domestic trailer sells the film with a classic bait and switch, the Australian trailer actually trades on the nostalgia factor for the first film. Why this is the case is a mystery, but it's interesting to compare the two trailers and their approach to selling the film's material.
