Tuesday, June 02, 2009

God at the Movies Part 5 - Paul Blart Mall Cop



I have moments when I fantasize about having a little daughter, a little darling who asks me to have imaginary tea with her and play Barbies. And then every weekend I imagine she asks me in a sweet high voice, "Oh Mommy, can we get a girl movie? Something with a castle and long dresses and a princess?"

But then I wake up to my 10-year-old son with dirty knees and spaghetti on his face begging, "Mom, please! We gotta rent Paul Blart Mall Cop!"

So we did. And it was better than I thought. Of course, my expectations could NOT have been lower. :0)

Paul Blart is a mall cop who dreams of love and a job as a policeman. His extreme hypoglycemia has limited his career to that of a security guard, no wait I mean, security officer.

As I watched this I thought about my blog and looked for a lesson. Um. Well. Couldn't find it. Not that Paul Blart Mall Cop isn't a redeeming movie. Paul's rise to an unlikely hero is a path that has many spiritual implications.

But the thing I want to point out about Paul Blart Mall Cop is the silliness. My son laughed. A lot. So did I. The pratfalls reminded me of Jerry Lewis on steroids. The sincere geekiness of Paul made me think of a less sophisticated Steve Martin.

Lots of great moments in this film for family viewing. And the absolute best part? My boy's laughter. If I could bottle it and take it with me wherever I go, I would have instant perspective at all times. Listening to his cackles, guffaws and manic giggling made renting Paul Blart Mall Cop worth every penny.

Who needs princess movies when I have my own little 10 year old jester.

8 comments:

smithsk said...

I remember when this movie first came out the critics really ripped it to shreds. But at the box office, it debuted at Number One. I think there could be a lesson there for writers. The critics may rip your works to shreds, but it may be Number One in the hearts that your work has touched. Just my two cents. Susan

Robbie Iobst said...

Susan, Well said!!! I agree.

Robbie Iobst said...

Susan, Well said!!! I agree.

Karen O'Keeffe said...

I just found out today that this movie is rated PG! My son can hardly wait to get it for Family Pizza/Movie Night!

Denise Miller Holmes said...

We saw Paul Blarth in the theater. I give it 3 Gs. Goofy, Goofy, Goofy.
Ha! :D

Cheryl Barker said...

Robbie, I haven't seen this movie yet but want to rent it sometime. Sometimes silly is just plain fun -- and sounds like it would be right up my husband's alley :)

dianne in colorado said...

Thanks for the review, Robbie! I had been avoiding this movie like the plague, but maybe I'll give it a try. Like you said, my expectation couldn't be lower, so I probably can't be disappointed. Plus, it might be a nice change from the princess movies! Next time you feel like a girlie movie, give me a call and you can watch one with us!

tonya said...

I am glad to read your review. I wasn't sure if I was going to rent that video or not.

Thanks!