What is the secret to making a good sequel to a successful film? That is the million dollar question, because more often than not most sequels are a step down from the original. The simple reason why so many are of lesser quality is usually everyone involved wants to make it bigger and better than the first, and fail trying to do so. Most people when it comes to sequels don’t want better; they just want it to be just as good as the first one, something that the ‘powers that be’ just don’t seem to understand.
Now with that all that has been said how does it look for one of the many sequels to come out this year, after the follow up to a surprising entertaining first film? “22 Jump Street” picks right up after the classic TV show, turned action comedy “21 Jump Street” left off. Jenko (Channing Tatum) and Schmidt (Jonah Hill) are enjoying the success they had after their big bust. The unfortunately for them, they are still not very good cops, so seeing their extreme limitations; both are assigned to what they do well, only this time across the street from their old gig, or 22 jump street. Captain Dickson (Ice Cube) is back and being how old our two undercover cops look; the mission this time involves college, with pretty much the same mission as last time.
The film doesn’t hide the fact that the plot is a clone of the first film, but with a few more laughs. Once again Tatum shines, and shows us that he is more than good looks as he shows his impeccable comedic timing. It is hard to believe that Hill might be the least funny person in this film, since Ice Cube and Tatum steal every scene they are both in. Written by a team of writers, most who were involved with the first film and directed by the go-to team for comedy Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (The Lego Movie) they try to follow the “if it isn’t broke don’t fix it” school of thought. The film at times tends to make fun of itself but then gives a little too much to process for a comedy. In the middle it starts to lose some of its comic touch, only to find it yet again by the film’s end.
If you are hoping for lighting in a bottle again, you don’t quite get that, but you will be entertained and laughing throughout. With great turns by everyone involved and more than a few scenes that will leave your sides hurting, this is easily the best comedy so far this year. And be sure you stay for those end credits and see what may be the best part of the film and your movie night will be complete. Until “23 Jump St.”
Brian Taylor
