21 Jump Street: Movie Review

It's another day and it's another review of a big screen remake of a classic television show from way back. "21 Jump Street" may sound weird on paper and quite frankly, it actually is. But this is weird good wherein its absurd quirkiness, from its unusually-paired lead characters to its story, make this a non-stop laugh fest from start to finish. Simply put, "21 Jump Street" is one awesome film that isn't afraid to be provocative and daring. It's unique and refreshing style makes this one of the best comedies this year.

Morton Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Greg Jenko (Channing Tatum) are former classmates who
meet again years after high school in police academ. Both were complete opposites in high school as Schmidt was a nerd while Jenko was a jock. They end up becoming best friends at the academy as they help with each others' weaknesses. They graduate together as partners but are unfortunately assigned to park patrol. They catch a break when they spot a group of drug dealers and arrest their leader. However, Jenko forgot to read the Miranda rights and the leader is released from custody. The two are reassigned to a specialty division on 21 Jump Street - a division who gets young looking cops to go undercover on high schools and colleges. When a young man overdoses with a new syntethic drug, Jenko and Schmidt are assigned to a local high school to find out who the dealers and supplier of the deadly drug is and they must stop them before the drug spreads across other schools.

To really love "21 Jump Street" you must accept that its best asset is it being unconventional. This is seen not only in its premise or the pair leads but more so in its comedic approach - one that works around on the characters' stupidity, no-holds-barred and profane. The situations that the characters of Jenko and Schmidt are put into are classic and the script was even better - it was simply awesome. But what really makes the movie into something special are the performances of Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill. Jonah Hill shows his acting chops as he transforms himself into a character with a lot of insecurities as a high school kid and as an adult. Channing Tatum might be the perfect jock but who knew he could be a good comedian too.

Sadly, "21 Jump Street" misses a few points with its story. Some things just feel a little off even for a not so serious film. Things like when the two leads steal marijuana and provide booze to minors or Schmidt's fling with a high school student. In the end though, "21 Jump Street" is a great watch. The comedy is top notch and there are some car chases and gunfights mixed in as well. What's not to love?

Rating: 4 and a half reels





Why you should watch it:
- we are amazingly surprised with the unlikely duo of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. They brought much life and humor to the film with their own unique mix of comedy.

Why you shouldn't watch it:
- some may not like the overtly weird and straight to the point humor.