22 Jump Street | Movie Review

The big screen welcomed the return of the world's favourite acting combo, comprising of funny-man Jonah Hill and the aesthetically pleasing Channing Tatum. 22 Jump Street was released yesterday and it has everyone in anticipation as to whether it would reach the heights of its predecessor, 21 Jump Street.

However the change in name and location from one door down made all the difference. We wave goodbye to Korean Jesus only to be greeted by a slightly more "pimping" Vietnamese Jesus in a hi-tech church which "used all of their budget." The continual in-jokes throughout the film about the burdens of sequels and their often lack of success, as well as the budget cuts meant that this particular sequel had to be treated in a completely different manner. It is a film you can laugh at and laugh with, one that doesn't take itself seriously at all.

Its honesty shone through, with the first half of the film staying close to the realms of the original: a young person dies from consuming a new, crazy drug, the guys have to infiltrate a college in order to track down the dealer and supplier, etc, blah blah. Until the plot twist.

The jokes in 22 were much funnier and more edgy than in 21, but it lacked the punch of a storyline that the first movie had. The twist in the middle of 22 saved the film and helped it maintain its originality.

One of the best parts of the film is the relationship between Hill and Tatum. Their chemistry is sublime, almost as if they could be brothers (or sometime partners) in real life. They bounce off each other very well and they are the reason the film is captivating, with parts leaving you in stitches. Also, Tatum's "Mexican" accent is the best piece of acting in 2014, or possibly ever.



Ice Cube's acting and comedic timing improved tenfold from the first film and one of the highlights is his death stare at Hill during the college dinner scene. Even the smaller characters were well casted, it was just a shame that there wasn't an awful lot of character development throughout the film.

Overall if you're looking for a film that will make you laugh and you're not entirely worried about a strong storyline, then 22 Jump Street is right up your .... street. The main thing to do is not compare it to 21 Jump Street and you'll enjoy it even more. Also, stay for the ending credits if you want an extra laugh at the end.



Rating: 7 out of 10