22 Jump Street

22 Jump Street

Starring Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube, Wyatt Russell

Directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller

Synopsis:
Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) are back working with 21 Jump Street (which now is 22 Jump Street, across the street) and with Captain Dickson (Ice Cube) to go undercover in college to find the supplier of a new type of drug that could take over the globe.

As the best friends and partners go deep undercover in the college scene, they begin to lose focus on why they're really there, and instead become deeply involved in college events.  Schmidt finds himself a girlfriend, and Jenko is recruited by quarterback Zook (Wyatt Russell) and the two become best friends, while Jenko ignored Schmidt.  Feelings are hurt, and it threatens to not just result in a failure in the mission, but an end to a strong bond.

Review:
The brotherhood that is Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum is what drives this series.  If two actors didn't like each other, it would show in the film no matter how good of actors they are.  With Hill and Tatum, it's clearly obvious the two of them are best friends in real life, and it clearly shows in the film.  It makes their scenes effortless, and downright hilarious.  While watching you can tell that there's some scenes where they completely ad libbed, and it works brilliantly.  Certain scenes had me laughing so hard I was crying, and when you see it you'll know which ones I'm referring to.

It was also refershing that it didn't take itself too seriously, as there's several references to sequels and how they usually don't do as well, and it's just easier to maintain the same pattern as the first.  It was refershing to see that in such a high-budget film.

The film doesn't just work on a comedic level, but also action and dramatic.  As the bond between the two friends begins to tear apart, you begin to worry that it couldn't be put back together again.  But then you realize its a movie and you know they'll be back to good friends at the end, but there's some palpable tension in the middle.  The action is as good as any high budget purely action film, which keeps the film exciting and fast-paced.

When you can equally balance the action, comedy and drama in such an amazing way, you know you got yourself a surefire hit, and "22 Jump Street" is one of those rare films that can do that.

Summary:
With a top notch cast who clearly enjoys themselves, a great story, and killer laughs, "22 Jump Street" is everything you want in a movie, and one you shouldn't dare miss.

My Rating: A+