Reviewed by Melissa Antoinette Garza
“You have the right to remain an attorney.” – Jenko (Channing Tatum)
When I first heard of the “21 Jump Street” movie, I was torn. The old show was definitely a fun watch but remakes are rarely good. Remakes of television shows are especially awful. “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “The Honeymooners” and “Miami Vice” are perfect examples. Even now, the thought of “The Three Stooges” movie makes me cringe in disgust.
Still, I heard so many good things about “21 Jump Street” that I decided to go see it and I was most impressed. Part “Police Academy” part “Lethal Weapon,” the movie is a hilarious comedy that though modernized is definitely a throwback to the great films of the 80s.
The movie opens in 2005. Schmidt (Jonah Hill) is heavily inspired by Eminem yet has braces and is not popular at all. Still he gets the nerve to ask his neighbor/hottie to the prom while hunk/jock Jenko (Channing Tatum) watches on and laughs at his failure.
He ends up crying outside when Jenko is called into the office and told he isn’t able to go to the prom because his grades are so bad. Jenko joins Schmidt outside crying.
They arrive at the police academy and high school seems to be repeating itself when Jenko makes fun of Schmidt, but soon they find they can help each other. Jenko helps Schmidt pass the physical portion of the training, and likewise Schmidt helps Jenko pass the written exams.
They graduate and anticipate high car chases and shootouts but are instead put on bike duty. They eventually see a drug deal go down but screw it up as Jenko doesn’t remember the Miranda rights and Schmidt loses one of the suspects when the large biker mows him down.
Aggravated the captain reassigns them to 21 Jump Street which is an abandoned church. The crew there works undercover. They look young and are put in high schools to uncover crimes. Captain Dickson (Ice Cube) puts Schmidt and Jenko in a school where drugs are rampant and one student recently died. They are forced to stay with Schmidts’ parents who are overly proud of their son.
Schmidt is supposed to be Brad, an intelligent A student in advanced chemistry. Jenko’s alias was to be Doug, Brad’s brother who is a jock that takes easy. Things get mixed up when Jenko punches the first guy he sees to show how tough he is only to be called a homophobe because the kid unbeknownst to them is gay. When called to the principal’s office they forget who is who and they each take the wrong identity.
Schmidt ends up getting in good with all the cool kids as Jenko befriends the nerds and is made fun of. Schmidt enjoys his popularity too much as he falls for a student and loves hanging out with the guys he’s supposed to be investigating. Together with Jenko, he gives his parents a night out and throws a house party against the Captain’s wishes and serves the kids alcohol. He even steals marijuana from the evidence room to ensure the party is great. His parents arrive home too early and they end up grounding him by forcing him to do chores.
The jokes are absolutely hilarious as the movie is more than willing to make fun of itself going as far to say that remakes are done because people are out of ideas and no longer creative. The film is fun and is actually quite special as it elicits a feeling from those who grew up in the 80s. It actually is able to create a sense of nostalgia. The way the movie was filmed, the quality of the production and the plot being memorable of old school comedies makes the movie something that stands above the rest.
I never was a fan of Judd Apatow or Seth Rogen and I kind of threw Jonah Hill in the category with them. I actually must admit I’m wrong. He’s not only a great comedian, he’s a great actor. I enjoyed him on Saturday Night Live but even then I really didn’t credit him with that much. His performance here makes me want to put my disdain for Rogan and Apatow aside and see his other work.
I also didn’t really look into Channing Tatum that much. I’m embarrassed to say that on a few occasions, I think I confused him for that lame pro wrestler John Cena. I won’t make that mistake again. I want to look into the GI Joe movies now to see his performance. What I liked about his role as Jenko is that he doesn’t play the typical stupid sexy jock. The film plays a trick by starting that way but then the character is delved into and easily analyzed by the viewers. Tatum puts everything on the table with the audience. To ensure that any disdain Jenko received in the beginning was eliminated, he freely shows his limitations and insecurity. The shortcomings of Jenko and Schmidt are portrayed in a way which invoke sympathy and respect from the audience so much so that even during the silliest parts there isn’t the slightest issue suspending disbelief. The two actors were so dedicated to their characters and had so much chemistry that I’m wishing the sequel was already made.
It goes without saying that the very talented and very cool Ice Cube was fantastic. Whether discussing “Barbershop,” “Are We There Yet,” or “Friday” no one would disagree that Cube completely understands the genre. His role here is purposefully over-the-top and he shines in it. I would have liked Cube to have a bigger role and I hope for the sequel he does. I would have loved to see him in the school posing as a guidance counselor or something of the sort, though a lot of plot points including the school’s awareness would have needed to be altered.
Regardless, the movie is much better than I expected. My husband who was less than enthused about seeing it and slightly grimaced when I asked if he would go enjoyed it as well. Had I gone in thinking it was going to be a great movie, I still would have been impressed. I can’t recommend this enough especially for those in their 30s. It’s great to have a movie that speaks to our generation portrayed by individuals who understand and respect it. Usually a film that references the 80s does so in a derogatory way or in the manner of a faux celebration by hipster douchebags. The closest comparison and most sincere appreciation of the 80s that I can think of is in episodes of South Park. It is always evident by music choices, plot points, and pop references that Trey Parker and Matt Stone love the 80s. Though not as in-your-face in this movie, it is just as clear and just as welcomed.
Lastly, I have to say that both Johnny Depp and Peter DeLuise make a worthwhile cameo that entertains and is actually relatively shocking. I miss DeLuise! He was in one of the greatest made-for-TV movies ever. “The Midnight Hour” which was released on DVD a few years back is such a brilliant and fun film. DeLuise shined in it and I would suggest that anyone seek it out. Fans of horror musicals like “Phantom of the Paradise” and “Rocky Horror Picture Show” will absolutely adore it!
Concerning Depp, I’m a bit concerned about the remake of “Dark Shadows.” It appears to be a snarky, sarcastic “comedy” making fun of the 70s. I’m hoping that I’m wrong and it doesn’t reek of hipster douchebagginess….but I have zero expectations.
Still, I am elated that “21 Jump Street” is as amazing as it is!
Scared Stiff Rating: 9/10 – Go out and see this movie!
UPDATE: I just watched this again and it’s just as badass the second time around. Also, I really want to see Channing Tatum naked. so sexy. Magic Mike, here I come.
