Kevin James is Back in ‘Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2’

So nice, they had to do it twice. It’s been for a while, but fans of the first are finally getting a sequel as “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” hits theaters on April 17.

What appeared to be a straight to DVD movie, “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” proved to have a lot of heart back in 2009. It told the tale of a mall security person who had big dreams of working for the New Jersey police. Audiences fell for the single dad taking care of not only his daughter but also his mother, and it managed to score $146 million during its run in theaters. It starred Kevin James and the man best known for “King of Queens” and “Grown Ups” really shined in this role.

Now he’s back for another round as Paul Blart and this time around it’s obviously six years later and he’s still doing his thing at the mall. He’s been keeping it safe all this time, but now it’s time for him to head out and have a vacation with his daughter who is preparing to head off to college. They leave Jersey and head out to Las Vegas. It’s an odd father/daughter trip, but comedy will ensue as well as action because Blart is not one to sit by on the sidelines.

Back as the role of James’ daughter is Disney star Raini Rodriguez. Also along for the sequel is another familiar Disney face, “Wizards of Waverly Place’s” David Henrie, the always funny Loni Love, and “Agent Carter’s” Neal McDonough. One person not on board this time is James’ onscreen wife from the first, Jayma Mays from “Glee.”

This is one of three films James has coming out this year. “Mall Cop 2” is the first and he’ll be teaming up with his buddy Adam Sandler for two animated films slated for releases later this year of “Pixels” and “Hotel Transylvania 2.” With James in the captain’s seat, it’s bound to be a hilarious time at the theaters. In addition, for fans of the first – it will be nice to see where their favorite characters are and how they’ve been the past six years.

“Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” opens nationwide on April 17.