Movie Review: 21 Jump Street

21 Jump Street (2012): A pair of underachieving cops are sent back to a local high school to blend in and bring down a synthetic drug ring.

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! I'm sure you have missed me profusely. Every night lying in bed wondering....."When oh when will Enter the Movies post another movie review?" Well, my friends and lovely readers, the answer is here. It's today, by the way. In case you couldn't figure it out. Because you're reading this right now. Today. Whatever day that might be for you. You didn't miss me at all did you? No? Ok well uh.......I guess I should review this movie or something. Right! Ready? No? Ok here we go!


21 Jump Street. Inspired by a crazy late 80's buddy-cop comedy by the same name, (starring a young Johnny Depp in a rare non-movie role, fun fact) the modern interpretation has already gone down as one of the smartest and funniest comedies of 2012. After watching this movie in 2014, on the cusps of its inevitable sequel, I'm going to have to say.....yes. Yes it is one of the best comedies if not the best comedy of 2012. That isn't saying much, as 2012 was a notoriously bad year for comedies, but this movie's formula of buddy-cop, satirical cop, and parody of itself styles work perfectly. Did that make sense? No, not really. It's been a while, so I'm a little rusty. It successfully blends a buddy-cop comedy together with a satirical cop movie, as well as the fact that it's a parody of itself from start to finish. Hopefully that one made sense and if it didn't, well too bad. Everyone in this movie knows it's a ridiculous premise, and they love pointing out the fact that it is. But it's never once overtly pointed out. If Tatum or Hill in this movie had just flat out said, man this is ridiculous, why would anyone believe we are in high school? It wouldn't have been funny. However, if there's a running gag in the movie of everyone pointing out the fact that Channing Tatum looks like he's 40, but they still buy the premise, then it's funny. The movie, on several occasions, breaks the fourth wall, however they never overtly do so. That's what makes it so smart! And the bond between Tatum and Hill is legitimate enough that when the plot gets going, you root for them! You know, as you're supposed to in a buddy-cop comedy. And the car chases in the third act are some of the best satirical car chases I have ever seen. I was rolling on the floor laughing with some of the gags in those scenes. Without a doubt the best part of the movie. All of these elements together make for a wonderfully hilarious 109 minutes. 


Now, there are some flaws in this movie. For one, the third act is waaaaaaaaay too long. I mean holy crap it's practically half of the movie! There's just too much concluding and tying up of loose ends here. Honestly I would've been cool if the Hill-Larson romance had been left unconcluded. Maybe because it's my least favorite part of the whole movie. But it's tied up. Oh well. Additionally, I did not buy Channing Tatum's storyline at all. He goes from major jock to major nerd practically overnight. While Hill's story I bought into, I did not buy Tatum's story. In any way, shape, or form. But, as the rule of comedies go, it doesn't matter as long as you laugh. And boy did I laugh from start to finish in this movie. At the end of the day that's all that really matters in a comedy.


Ok, other aspects of the movie to talk about....the score was very underutilized, unfortunately. I just watched the movie and I can only really remember one cool musical montage. But, sometimes that's ok. You don't always need pop music to remind you of how you're supposed to feel at that moment, so I didn't really miss it. The acting was awesome. Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill were amazing together. Without that duo this movie suffers tremendously for sure. I hope to see them together in future movies that aren't named 22 (or 23) Jump Street. The dialogue was largely improv'd, and the strong supporting cast of Brie Larson, Rob Riggle, Dave Franco, and of course Ice Cube (though he only plays one character in all of his movies, I'm ok with it) hold their own against Hill and Tatum. And the cameos throughout are fantastic. There's just so much hilarity packed into 109 minutes. And only a few dick and butt jokes. Well, ok more than a few, but definitely less than This is the End (my top comedy of 2013) and Neighbors (my top comedy of 2014 thus far) so if you want to a watch a good comedy that isn't super-repulsive, pick 21 Jump Street. If you haven't already. Really I feel silly making recommendations on this movie because I feel like everyone's seen it but if you somehow haven't, then check it out! Ok? Ok. Time for 22 Jump Street. Peace.


The Critique: A wonderful blend of buddy cop, satire, and parody, 21 Jump Street is without a doubt the funniest comedy of 2012.


The Recommendation: If dick and butt jokes don't totally repulse you, and you haven't seen this movie yet, listen to your friends (and me!) and check this out.


Rewatchability: High


The Verdict: 8.5/10 Somewhere between great and awesome.


Ok so I'm back! I know I've missed a lot of summer movies in recent weeks, but I'll play catchup. Let's have some fun!




Photo Credit
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