Film Vibe

March 26, 2012

21 Jump Street (2012) - Directed by Phil Lord, Chris Miller - Rating: 5/5

After viewing the trailer for the first time, it seemed like “21 Jump Street” had the potential to be a very funny and entertaining movie. Of course trailers have been known to stretch the truth at times, but in this case the movie delivered on almost every level. Jump Street is mainly about two clueless rookie cops that are forced to join an undercover task force that infiltrates local high schools and colleges. First I’ll start with Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill, their characters are so well developed as caricatures of the “Jock” and “Nerd” stereotypes that we feel like we know these guys even before they say a word to each other. That’s really what this movie does best as a comedy, it takes all too well known high school stereotypes that are perpetuated through other movies and television series, and completely flips it on it’s head. Suddenly the Jock, doesn’t fit in with the cool kids anymore and is forced to hang out with the nerds, and vice versa with the Jonah Hill’s nerd character finally being accepted as one of the cool kids. Getting to see high school through their unique perspectives provided a lot of hilarious moments such as Tatum struggling through chemistry class, and Hill trying to compete in track and field. This may be the best performance I’ve seen from Tatum, as his comedic timing and instincts are surprising superb. The supporting characters are great as well, Rob Riggle and Ellie Kemper are great in their respective roles as the gym and chemistry teachers. Some of the drawbacks of the film are the underdeveloped sub plots of the high school drug trade, and had we’d seen a little more backstory, it would have made for even more dramatic resolution in the end. Ultimately, 21 Jump Street’s best quality is its self awareness, with it’s ridiculous plot, and spoofing of many great cop action films.

//post by scott

11:00am | URL: https://tmblr.co/ZjQX9wIbkveZ

(Notes: 12)