BY MICHAEL GOODPASTER
Comedy sequels tend to fall flat these days. Even when good stuff like Anchorman
2, Hangover 2, and other big releases come out it's fun in short term, but it's
often forgotten. The originals are so big, awesome and iconic that the sequels
don't measure up. I was worried about this with 22 Jump Street. I didn't expect
a lot with 21 Jump Street but it ended up being a great movie and a lot of fun.
I'd end up watching it a few times and that enjoyment and fun never waned. A
sequel would have a lot to live up to in order to match the first. I'm happy to
say it did. It's not the same movie despite there being an ongoing joke that it
is. 21 saw the unlikely duo of Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum go back to high
school to solve a drug ring. In 22 they go to college to..um.. solve a drug
ring. I assure you, it's not the same movie. The character development is there,
the self-referential jokes are there and the same level of fun is once again
there. Channing goes the frat boy jock route while Hill takes to a nerdier art
crowd. There is tension between the two, a love interest, leads that go nowhere
and some hilarious jokes. It's hard not to laugh at the characters and hilarity
but the action parts are surprisingly really good and well done. It's not like a
big shoot'em up with explosions type of movie. I mean they do have big shoot'em
ups and big explosions. It's just how it's done that makes it awesome. The spots
are creative as impressive. Action comedies are typically like this, but 22 Jump
Street is its own beast. The chemistry between Hill and Tatum is strong as the
first if not even better, the gags are a plenty, the plot is cohesive and
enthralling and it just comes together. The supporting cast rocks. We got Peter Stormare, Ice Cube, Amber Stevens, Jillian Bell, Nick Offerman, and a slew of others all doing awesome in their respected roles. Even the credits bring entertainment
and laughs. I can't recommend this movie enough. If you appreciated 21 then you
will sure as hell appreciate 22. Certain aspects seem recycled from the first
movie, but the only thing really in common is the enjoyment this franchise is
bringing both times out. There a few jokes about more sequels. I hope to see
these jokes come to life. See this movie! You WILL laugh. A
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