Review of 21 Jump Street (2012) by Movie P — 16 Jun 2014

T's style of comedy is certainly divisive, it's leads polarising, and it's mix of fast-paced action with mile-a-minute comedy jarring for some, but I can unabashedly say that I had a great time with 21 Jump Street. It challenges the conventions of the numerous genres it blends together, acknowledges it's place as a profit-driven Hollywood machine, and provides a litany of hilarious set-pieces for it's charismatic leads. It's thanks to this wry irreverence that 21 Jump Street avoids the pitfalls of so many like it, and instead vaults to the realm of The Hangover or Hot Fuzz, some of the finest comedies of the last few years.

Officers Morton Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Greg Jenko (Channing Tatum) are an unlikely pair of friends, having put aside their differences in police academy. The two previously butted heads in high school, what with the popular and athletic Jenko looking down on the rotund and brainy Schmidt. Once they enter the force, however, they realise the qualities each brings to the table, and strike up a friendship.

Despite the heartwarming scenario, the two are still inexperienced rookies that believe becoming cops will prepare them for a "lifetime of being badass motherf**kers". That leads to a huge botched arrest, and after Jenko forgets to read the perp his Miranda rights, they are left empty-handed. This embarrassment leads to the two getting reassigned (courtesy of a a deadpan Nick Offerman) to 21 Jump Street, a newly-resurrected undercover programme from the 80s.

21 Jump Street has most often been described as surprising, and I'd agree with that sentiment. It was a breakout hit in 2012, and one of the year's best comedies, but it's also got unprecedented brains and heart. Right off the bat, the film plays with certain clichés and keeps a few steps ahead of the audience. Offerman's Deputy Chief Hardy, without a hint of irony, explains the Jump Street reboot as being a bottom-line driven rehash that higher-ups expect the general public not to notice.

The script by Mark Bacall (based on a treatment by himself and star Jonah Hill) is lively and energetic, making exceptional use of the leads' chemistry. Rarely are the duo not onscreen together (or at least at odds), and the film is better off for it. When their physical comedy isn't inspiring fits of laughter, their effortless banter is. Comedy's rely on strong leads interpreting their material well, something that Hill and Tatum prove over and over again.

What really pushes 21 Jump Street over the edge into really great comedy is it's touches of absurdist humor. Many comedies in the vein of Jump Street are beholden to their high school setting, but not here. Jenko and Schmidt, at different points consume drugs (and try to spew them up), engage in an car chase while wearing ridiculous outfits, and fire their guns off in public. That the film would pull off these ridiculous stunts without a hint of self-awareness (but of course, it's very self-aware), is what makes 21 Jump Street stand out among it's peers.

Special recognition should be given to Channing Tatum. We were all aware of Jonah Hill's comedy chops thanks to Knocked Up, Superbad and Funny People, so his performance was great as expected. It's Tatum that's the real standout, displaying a knack for playing the meathead with heart. As well as that, his timing and delivery are top-notch. Similarly, his chemistry with Hill makes him a fantastic lead.

The supporting cast are great. Standouts include Ice Cube's on-edge Captain Dickson, Rob Riggle's demented gym teacher Mr. Walters, and Dave Franco as an eco-friendly drug dealer. That all the vibrant personalities mesh together without feeling too weightless is another feather in the cap of writer Mark Bacall.

Overall, 21 Jump Street has much more going on beneath the surface than most studio-driven comedy films of it's kind. It overcomes and toys with it's numerous clichés, and becomes a mostly-unpredictable, riotously funny time. Oh, and Jonah Hill's impression of a black police officer is hysterical.