The first trailer I saw for 21 Jump Street left me groaning at the thought that I’d have to screen the terrible- and unfunny-looking comedy. But once I sat down to watch it, everything turned around. It started off with some big laughs and never let up.
In this comedic rehash of the ’80s television series of the same name, Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill play dimwitted young rookie police officers assigned to an undercover operation as two high school students tracking down the origins of a new powerful drug. Not only does the script poke fun of the fact that neither Tatum or Hill appear to be high school age, but it’s constantly making fun of itself for being a shameless remake of a canceled television series.
I know what you’re thinking – ‘How can this be? Channing Tatum sucks and Jonah Hill is annoying.’ I can’t deny these thoughts because I feel the same way, but if you set aside your opinions and give it a shot, you’ll be shocked at what these two pull off. Hill’s serious supporting role in ‘Moneyball’ was a surprise and the majority of his comedic side-characters have been strong, but after The Sitter he left the lot of us wondering of he could successfully pull off a leading comedic role. Although I never thought I’d say it, he can. He does. And it’s funny.
As for Tatum, the only thing I’ve liked him is so far was his small role in the painful Dilemma. In fact, he was the only funny thing is that awfully drab movie. 21 Jump Street further proves that Tatum belongs in comedy – not these suicidally mind-numbing and sappy chick flicks. This is easily the best credit on Tatum’s resume. He and Hill work together on just as high a comedic level as the best buddy comedy duos out there. Bringing out the laughs is fantastic supporting cast including Dave Franco (little brother of James Franco), Brie Larson, Rob Riggle, Ice Cube, Chris Parnell and Ellie Kemper. For those fans of the original series, get ready for some fun cameos from the original series’ cast.
I know that you don’t want to see 21 Jump Street because I didn’t want to see it either, but I really need you to trust me. I cannot emphasize this fact enough. Nobody wanted to see this movie less than me. If you’re in the mood for a crude R-rated comedy much funnier than the norm, then definitely see 21 Jump Street this weekend. TRUST ME.
Photo credit: Columbia Pictures
