Film Review - 22 Jump Street (2014)

“22 Jump Street” (2014) – Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum’s undercover cops, “Schmidt” and “Jenko”, return to bust up yet another synthetic drug ring, and tear shit up, in this sequel to 2012’s surprisingly good "21 Jump Street".  This is essentially a carbon copy of its predecessor, with minimal variations of the previous film’s formula and transferred to a collegiate setting.

Although it never can quite find the spark that ignited the 2012 film, the co-star’s onscreen report/bromance coupled with a relentless, almost satirical self-referential attack on the unlikely franchise’s mere existence keeps it afloat- it’s only occasionally funny, with far more misses than direct hits.  I felt as if the film were teetering dangerously close to spoof territory on several occasions.

Tatum and Hill once again prove to be a charismatic and capable duo, displaying a legitimate chemistry that will more than likely be further utilized by future sequels or follow-ups featuring the pair.

Ice Cube returns as the scowling "Captain Dickson", while Peter Stormare (Fargo) supplies a painfully generic villain in “The Ghost”.  Kurt Russell’s son, Wyatt Russell, is the popular jock and a prime suspect who bonds with Jenko, while the very pretty Amber Stevens (daughter of Shadoe Stevens) fills in as Schmidt’s love interest.

With 2 directors, 3 screenwriters and 2 story credits (and a partridge in a pear tree) one would have expected a more substantial affair- as is, it feels rather light, almost like a direct-to-video sequel.  The action scenes feel like an afterthought this go ‘round.

Spring break and no nudity?  What the hell!

Expect a few cameos, including a couple from the featured players in the popular TV show- let’s just say they’re nowhere near as cool or impactful as the cameos from the 2012 release.  There’s also another crazy, drug-induced sequence, while a mock-sequel montage at film’s end is worthwhile.

Final verdict- 22 Jump Street is not as good as the original (and nowhere near as good as last year’s Sandra Bullock/Melissa McCarthy buddy cop pairing in “The Heat”), though fans of the first film will probably find plenty to snicker at.

Worth a rental.

6.5 out of 10                              

Director: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
Cast: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Peter Stormare, Wyatt Russell, Amber Stevens, Gillian Bell, Ice Cube and The Lucas Brothers
Run-Time: 112 minutes
MPAA: Rated R for language throughout, sexual content, drug material, brief nudity and some violence.

For what it’s worth:

21 Jump Street (2012) - 8.0