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Jump in quality with fantastic follow-up
Hill and Tatum’s brilliant bromance
Goodness knows we could all do with a laugh at the moment – and there are more than a few to be had here.
When Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum teamed up to bring little known late eighties/early nineties TV cop show 21 Jump Street to the big screen you could be forgiven for thinking comedy gold wouldn’t be struck.
But what a pleasant surprise the riotous 2012 comedy turned out to be, raking in healthy box-office receipts and winning critics and audiences over.
It was inevitable that Hill and Tatum would return as undercover cops Schmidt and Jenko for this rarest of beasts – a sequel that’s every bit as good as the original.
The bungling duo move from a high school-set operation to investigating a drug death on a college campus in returning directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s fabulous follow-up.
Five writers, including Hill, team up on the story and screenplay and they have great fun with the idea of sequels recycling ideas on a bigger budget with a series of hilarious in-jokes.
Despite the recognition of the pratfalls of franchise development, this is no lazy rehash of what we’ve already seen, such as The Hangover: Part II.
The gags come thick and fast – virtually all hitting the mark – and there are some truly memorable supporting characters like twins Keith and Kenny (The Lucas Brothers).
Ice Cube’s Captain Dickson gets a meatier role and some great moments (a restaurant breakdown) and Jillian Bell’s psychotic Mercedes brilliantly gives Schmidt a hard time.
But what really makes 22 Jump Street stand out from the comedic crowd is Hill and Tatum’s brilliant bromance. The pair make for one of the great modern comedy duos – and aren’t afraid to take risks.
The undercover operation and contribution of all involved leads to some good twists, even if the usually memorably mad Peter Stormare feels a little inconsequential. And just when you think it’s safe to rest your funny bone, a vibrant closing credits sequence takes a side-splitting look at potential ideas for further sequels.
What are your thoughts on 22 Jump Street? Any other comedy sequels that surpass the originals? Pop me an email at ian.bunting@reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any movie or TV show recommendations you have – to your fellow readers.