Reel Critics:

The genial and rotund Kevin James plays the lead character in “Paul Blart: Mall Cop.” He channels the funny fat guy groove made famous by the likes of Jackie Gleason, John Belushi and John Candy. Pratfalls and miscues are the source of most laughs in this film.

Like many department store security guards, Paul is a wannabe cop who can’t cut the mustard for a real police job. But he has the integrity and dedication that would qualify him for a role in real law enforcement if he only came to the attention of the right people. His chance comes when a group of high-powered thugs tries to rob a bank branch in the mall. They end up taking hostages in the process and generate a SWAT team response.

Paul’s teenage daughter and a cute babe are among the hostages. This fact seals his determination to rescue them and thwart the evil plans of the gangsters. All that happens from this point is part of the predictable formula that follows from the basic premise. Nothing profound occurs in this movie. But it’s a good natured slapstick comedy that is amusing and entertaining.

Defying you to not enjoy ‘Defiance’

“Defiance” is an amazing true story of the Bielskis, Jewish brothers who managed to save hundreds of Jews from Germans and collaborators in the Belarussian forest during World War II.

It’s gripping, but under Edward Zwick’s heavy-handed direction it comes down to a “Schindler’s List” meets “Robin Hood.” Like his previous efforts (“Blood Diamond,” “Glory”), Zwick likes to go big or go home.

Zus (Liev Shreiber), Asael (Jamie Bell) and Aron (George MacKay) find their parents murdered by local authorities. Big brother Tuvia (Daniel Craig) meets up with them in the forest and they thirst for revenge. The brothers, who have apparently had run-ins with the law before, get “blood for blood” but Tuvia is haunted by the killings, which ultimately creates a rift between him and Zus.

As word of these fighting brothers gets around in the villages, more and more people escape from the Jewish ghetto and seek out the Bielskis’ protection. They create a mini society, carry weapons, build shelters and even take “forest wives.”

Although it lacks subtlety (Tuvia suddenly rides a white horse — where did that come from?), “Defiance” is a well-crafted, watchable film. The actors are good, if the accents a little heavy handed.

And yes ladies, the erstwhile James Bond can be seen shirtless for a tasteful bit of lovin’ in the “woots.”

JOHN DEPKO is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator for the Orange County public defender’s office. SUSANNE PEREZ lives in Costa Mesa and is an executive assistant for a financial services company.