Kevin James

TV 'King' looks to take feature film throne

By ZACHARY PINCUS-ROTH

James

JUDD AND HIS MERRY MEN

• Judd Apatow
• Seth Rogen
• Michael Cera
• Jonah Hill

FEATURE THESPS

• Tim Allen
• Rowan Atkinson
• Kevin James
• Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
• Adam Sandler
• John Travolta
• John C. Reilly

HELMERS & SCRIBES

• Jason Reitman & Diablo Cody
• The Hot Fuzz Guys
• Walt Becker
• Tyler Perry

TOON TALENT

• Brad Bird
• The Simpsons troika
• Jerry Seinfeld

LIVE LAUGHS LEADERS

• Jim Gaffigan
• Demetri Martin
• Katt Williams
• Mel Brooks & Thomas Meehan

WEB HEADS

• The Lonely Island Guys
• Perez Hilton
• Funnyordie.com

TUBE TITANS

• Bill Engvall
• Jenna Fischer
• Tina Fey
• Bryan Fuller
• Flight of the Conchords
• Tracy Morgan
• Steven Koonin
• Chuck Lorre
• Neil Patrick Harris
• Ricky Gervais
• Jaime Pressly
• Conan O'Brien
• Jon Stewart
• Amy Poehler
• Sarah Silverman

James made a complete transition from television star to movie star this year as "The King of Queens" ended after more than 200 episodes, just before the summer release of his film "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry." The pic, which also starred Adam Sandler, took in $180 million globally -- with very little help from critics.

Now James is in demand for future projects and is co-writing, producing and getting ready to star in "Mall Cop," about a mild-mannered security guard who is thrust into action when his mall is taken over by a band of thieves.

Point of view

"It's simple with him -- offscreen, Kevin is genuinely funny," says "Chuck and Larry" helmer Dennis Dugan. "He is sweet and friendly. He's approachable. He's a guy. And when he walks in front of the camera, he takes those qualities with him."