Who would have thought when the “21 Jump Street” movie was announced in 2009 that Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill would be a perfect fit for the reboot? The original series that jump started the career of some guy named Johnny Depp was far from a comedy but really, the premise– cops posing as teenagers and going undercover in high schools– is ripe for parody.
Based on the late 80’s Fox TV show starring Johnny Depp, “21 Jump Street” does in fact feature Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill as baby faced cops who are too inept to be real cops so they are kicked into the Jump Street program. Tatum plays Jenko, a guy that was a stud in high school but might be too stupid to be a cop. Hill plays Schmidt, a guy that was too lame for high school but still has definitely got the brains to be a great cop.
These two guys decide to team up because they see each other as bringing something into their lives that is missing. After botching a drub bust they Jenko and Schmidt get demoted to the Jump Street program and tasked with going undercover in a high school to bust a drug ring before a new and dangerous drug hits the streets. The only problem is they get a little too distracted either trying to relive past greatness or make up for mistakes they made back in high school.
The film also features Ice Cube as their angry black cliche police captain, Kansas City native Rob Riggle as the high school phys. ed teacher, Jake M. Johnson as the high school principal and Dave Franco (James’ little brother), as a wanna be drug dealer. Everyone is either perfectly cast of plays their part perfectly. Watch out for what may be one of the best cameos ever.
The comic-timing between Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum is a big reason this movie works. The pairing of the two seemed as odd and misplaced as the idea to make the movie to begin with but it works. The movie takes itself seriously while never really taking itself too seriously. It’s making fun of the material while creating a new world in a situation that seems totally implausible.
“21 Jump Street” is surprisingly well written, laugh out loud comedy with great performances from both Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill. As unlikely as it is, the two actors have great comic timing together. Tatum especially tends to look lost in more serious roles but it’s obvious the guy has got a knack for comedy with the right material. This could be a great series if the writers put the effort into the inevitable sequel they put in here.
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