22 Jump Street Review

22 Jump Street is shaping up to be one of the biggest comedies of the summer and it is the sequel to the hysterically funny 21 Jump Street. As with most sequels, story lines usually need to change, even if it is just a little bit to keep the audience entertained. The premise for 22 Jump Street is that Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum), are back on Jump Street and this time are heading off to college. The classic roles are back in play, as in the first film we saw them busting a drug in high school. It’s simple too think about 22 Jump Street, as it follows a very similar storyline to that of the original and yes it does provide even more laughter. 

The film opens up with a previously on 21 Jump Street scene, which reminds us of all that Schmidt and Jenko did in the first film. From the awkwardness of going to back to high school to the classic lobster scene, it really sets you up and puts you in the right mind sight. Then they dive right into a pure hollywood action sequence, that brings many laughs and showcase the physical fitness of the two police officers. From there the film moves into a very interesting direction of making fun of sequels. This especially comes into play with Deputy Chief Hardy played by Nick Offerman, who explains that department has decided to pump more money into jump street, even though they will end up with what will most likely be sub par results. As always Mr.Offerman does a great job of creating the laughs. The idea of making fun of a sequel comes into play even more when they go to visit there new headquarters, which it turns out is right across the street at 22 Jump Street, as the Korean church at 21 Jump Street was bough back, and as they are walking to 22 Jump Street, we see that 23 Jump Street will soon be the site of new condominiums. These jokes continue for a good part of the film, until they drop right into the case, but provide some great laughs.

While the story is very similar, we do see a major role change. This time Schimdt does not become the popular one, but Jenko is taken in by the populars, more specifically the football team and ends up joining a fraternity. This leads to some interesting choices during the investigation, as they both are with two majorly different friend groups. But for the most part it is a very similar plot line, that does begin to drag on a little bit, this would be considered the second act. They through some interesting jokes and plot lines into this portion of the film. Jenko and Schmidt begin to learn more about an interesting  portion of there relationship, specifically the idea of them being partners and something more then friends. To be blunt Schmidt takes the role of the female in this part, for instance him walking throw the quad holding his shoes and talking with other female college students about binge watching TV shows.  Jenko and Schmidt’s bromance provides a truly comedic mini story line throughout the film.

Ice Cube is back as Captain Dickson and his just as angry as always and he get some more action in this film. Without saying too much, Jenko gets some good and some bad and it might have something to do with Maya(Amber Stevens) and Mercedes(Jillian Bell). H Jon Benjamin makes a cameo, and being that over here at NJTechReviews were big fans, it was great and his comments add more comedic joy to the story line. Overall, 22 Jump Street does a good job of when it comes to having a solid story line, even though it maybe repetitive, and has some good comedic elements sprinkled throughout the film. During the credits they go through the many possible spin offs of Jump Street, going all the way up to 2121 Jump Street and this is were you will have some continues laughter. 22 Jump Street is well worth the price of a movie ticket and while it might go on for a little long, the ending is well worth it and you will most certainly laugh in theater at least a few times.