22 JUMP STREET (2014)

Directed By: Phil Lord & Christopher Miller 
Written By: Michael Bacall, Rodney Rothman & Oren Uziel 
Story By: Michael Bacall & Jonah Hill 
Cinematography By: Barry Peterson 
Editor: David Rennie & Keith Brachmann 

Cast: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube, Peter Stomare, Amber Stevens, Wyatt Russell, Jillian Bell, Patton Oswalt, Rob Riggle, Nick Offerman, Caroline Aaron, Craig Roberts,

After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt and Jenko when they go deep undercover at a local college. But when Jenko meets a kindred spirit on the football team, and Schmidt infiltrates the bohemian art major scene, they begin to question their partnership. Now they don't have to just crack the case - they have to figure out if they can have a mature relationship. If these two overgrown adolescents can grow from freshmen into real men, college might be the best thing that ever happened to them --I really wanted to love this film, but I found I couldn't. Especially as it was one of the films I was highly anticipating.

You need to know that 22 jump street is one of y favorite television shows (don't judge) so much so even when the film had a bad preview I defended it and still saw it on opening day. Thy film revealed to me that Channing Tatum did have comedic chips and charisma.

So it is with a heavy heart that I say I found the sequel to be funny but disappointingly average. It has the same problem as the think like a man sequel. Where as the first film was about something and it had substance. Here the film seems to be just trying to repeat the first film only with more of it. More action more comedy, more buddy cop moments. Though it seems like filler for a case and sort that are pretty uninteresting.

It just seems like this is more a collection of ideas then a film. It actually feels like it's a loose series of skits tied together rather than a story at times. Even with a scene devoted to Benny Hill and his theme music

The film ends up overdosing itself on meta. Before it runs out of steam becomes a reference machine at different points. with more jokes to fill In What is missing

Even it's new characters seem like great comedic ideas more than even believable film characters.

The film also depends way too much on it's meta humor and sequel jokes. Those are great but get annoying after awhile as we in the audience get it and don't need to be beaten over the head with the jokes and insinuations. That are supposed to be ironic, but quickly become annoying. There is even a useless cameo in the film for no reason and then given nothing to do with it.

Don't get me wrong the film is hilarious and had plenty of humor. That will have you laughing throughout. Though it seems that the film hopes to have the audience cascade through it with humor rather then think or any expectations of action. Even the humor is more verbal then physical.

What the film does have going for it is that it's very funny. Though has more set-up then actual jokes. Even one character who proves to be vital only seems there to almost do stand-up and make jokes about a Character. That actress Jillian Bell would prove to be the breakout of the film If only truly they made her character a little more fleshed out. She is funny and steal scenes, but really half the time has no reason to be there.

While the central partnership feels familiar. It also allows for some breakthroughs and I guess touched me as I feel kind of parallel with that friendship and certain friends I have in my life who I have a relationship that is similar don't we all after all?

I enjoyed that Ice Cube actually has more to do and gets a standout scene of his own during the movie where we actually get to see him use all that anger that his characters usually display in their face and demeanor.

Amber Stevens who i have seen in many television shows and a few films is a revelation in this film though she doesn't have much to do except be the love interest for Jonah hill. They only seem to give her opportunities to look pretty and create very few memorable character moments. Though she is beautiful has nothing to do and no real chemistry more of a plot device rather than a character.

I don't know if part of the films humor is that in each film Jonah Hill's character gets the girl. Or is that just a natural part of being the leading man. Where as Channing Tatum is more the comedic character as he is usually heroic and action oriented in films. Jonah gets to be comedic and get the girl kind of comedic in the way that he does get the girl.

I enjoy them making fun of themselves and their screen personeas. One of the things that was magical about the first film was the revelation that Channing Tatum was so funny and talented and while he gets center stage once again. The energy and focus isn’t there and even Jonah hill just seems to be doing more of the same.

The film gets sidetracked often to delve into the humor and jokes more than continuing story and character. Which i believe that since the first film dealt with more of that. Here they want to squeeze more humor from both actors and situations their chemistry.

I also think it adds to the film of having stand-up comedians fill In Minor roles to just come in add some of their own brand of humor and then just disappear. Even having Blink and you miss them cameos from other 21 JUMP STREET TV series cast.

I can't say the film is bad, just disappointing though the skits during the credits sequence are hilarious. The film even manages to fit in some familiar cameos even from the series.

The film just had a feel that is rushed a bit and pleased with itself more than worrying about the audiences enjoyment. It almost feels like a bunch of deleted scenes brought together linked by themes and jokes.

Grade: C+