Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 is nothing new.

Paul Blart is the typical bumbling, lovable fool. He does have some distinguishing features, like being a mall cop and his pitiful love life (it is truly sad how unlucky in love he is). Kevin James delivers the expected Paul Blart and director Andy Fickman showcases a plot that doesn’t stand out. However, Paul Blart is marketed as a family film and the movie manages a kid-friendly adventure.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 is set in present day, so a few years after the original movie. Paul is once again at a very low point in his life and he is unexpectedly invited to be a security guard in Las Vegas. Per Blart-ian style, a nefarious heist is afoot and Paul Blart: Mall Cop is the man for the job. While the plot isn’t entirely recycled from the previous movie, there are a lot of parallels. While this can sometimes be advantageous (21 & 22 Jump Street for example), Paul Blart 2 didn’t recognize the potential. The movie didn’t really gain much momentum until about halfway. The movie seems to appeal more to young kids than adults. So, while it is for the family, parents or older children may not find it wholly entertaining.

The acting was over the top, but that is in step with a movie like Paul Blart. James was fun to watch, as was Raini Rodriguez, who plays Maya Blart. The security guards that help Blart attempt to foil the heist, especially the guard portrayed by Loni Love, help move the movie along nicely by adding a more unique humor to the film.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 was not a particularly great movie nor did it do anything to distance itself from its predecessor. It tends to rely more on slapstick humor, which can become very repetitive if not done correctly. It functions well as a kid-friendly film, but it doesn’t completely cater to the whole family. It is light-hearted and fun and if you’re looking for an easy viewing Paul Blart might fit the bill.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 is in theaters April 17th.