Taking It to the Street

While it was nearly impossible to be alive in the late 1980s and not be at least aware of the TV series 21 Jump Street, I never watched an episode at the time, nor have I seen one since. So I came to the recent movie adaptation with no particular expectations other than to laugh -- it certainly looked funny in the previews.

The new movie may not be a laugh-til-you-can't-breathe riot, but it is a well crafted affair. The story and script, by Michael Bacall and star Jonah Hill, is really smart. In confronts all the possible objections to the unlikely situation head on, giving you permission to just forget about it all and enjoy yourself. And I do mean all the possible objections, from the unlikely adult-cops-disguised-in-high-school premise to the very idea of stealing a 25-year-old TV show for a movie because you're out of ideas.

The cast is really solid across the board, but shines at the top. Jonah Hill is a proven comedian who has even showcased some dramatic chops (in Moneyball). Channing Tatum has established himself in more serious roles, and here reveals that he's a gifted comedian. The two together make a great comedy team -- and a flexible one too, as neither exclusively plays straight man to the other's buffoon. Both of them connect with both verbal and physical jokes.

Ice Cube is surprisingly hilarious as the captain in charge of the Jump Street unit, a knowing cliché of a character that tweaks every ridiculous cop drama convention. Another highlight in the supporting cast is Ellie Kemper, playing a raunchier character than she does on The Office (or did in Bridesmaids). I even liked Rob Riggle; I generally find him to be a rather one-note comedian, but that one loud and overbearing note is used well here.

It's pretty widely known by this point that the film also features some cameos from two original actors from the television series, but in case you aren't aware, I'll give nothing more away. I'll only say that even as someone who never watched the show, I found their scene to be probably the funniest in the movie.

I'd say 21 Jump Street was a solid enough comedy to get a B+. A few of the jokes fall flat, but far more of them connect and keep a smile on your face throughout.