Going into “Twenty One Jump Street,” expectations were admittedly low. Another buddy cop film, headlined by Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, and drawing inspiration from a less-than-stellar 80s TV show? It didn’t immediately scream cinematic gold. Especially considering some of Jonah Hill’s previous, less successful comedic ventures and Channing Tatum’s then-perceived limitations in comedy, skepticism was understandable.
However, any doubts were quickly dispelled. “Twenty One Jump Street” is genuinely one of the funniest movies to come out in recent years, easily rivaling the comedic heights of “Bridesmaids.”
The real strength of this movie lies in its exceptional script. While the plot itself isn’t groundbreaking – and no one expected it to be – the comedic timing between the two leads is impeccable. The writers provided Hill and Tatum with sharp, witty dialogue and situations that perfectly play to their strengths. The consistent laughter throughout the film was a testament to this. Even a minor, out-of-place gross-out gag late in the movie couldn’t significantly detract from the overall comedic brilliance. It felt unnecessary because the movie’s humor was already working so effectively without resorting to cheap tactics.
Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are fantastic in their roles. Their character dynamics are exactly what you want in a buddy cop comedy. They bounce off each other brilliantly for the entire runtime, creating a hilarious and engaging on-screen partnership. “Twenty One Jump Street” is not just a surprise hit; it’s a genuine comedic achievement that stands out. It’s easily a top contender for the best comedies of its release year.
For those who appreciate comedies like “The Other Guys,” “Starsky and Hutch,” “If Looks Could Kill,” or “Blue Streak,” “Twenty One Jump Street” is an absolute must-watch. In fact, it surpasses all of those films in comedic quality. It earns a solid 8 out of 10, or a 76/100, rounded up due to its sheer entertainment value. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised and thoroughly entertained by this unexpected comedic gem.
