This image released by Sony Pictures shows Jonah Hill, from left, Ice Cube, and Channing Tatum in Columbia Pictures' "22 Jump Street." (AP Photo/Sony Pictures, Glen Wilson)

This image released by Sony Pictures shows Jonah Hill, from left, Ice Cube, and Channing Tatum in Columbia Pictures' "22 Jump Street." (AP Photo/Sony Pictures, Glen Wilson)

Reeling it in: ‘Jump Street’ sequel in on the joke

“22 Jump Street”

Columbia Pictures

1 hour, 52 minutes

Comic actor Nick Offerman sums up the concept of “22 Jump Street” perfectly in one of the first scenes of the film: “When the ‘Jump Street’ reboot was first proposed, everyone, myself included, expected it to be a huge failure. Much to the surprise of all, it was a hit, and now the department wants to do it again, just with much more money.”

He’s talking about the undercover narcotics operations, of course, but really he’s talking about the movie. This central conceit, this self-aware running joke is funny and clever for much of the film’s runtime, but like any other abstract concept that gets pounded into you, it does get old after a while.

If you missed the predecessor to this film, “21 Jump Street,” you’re missing a treat. Channing Tatum plays Jenko to Justin Hill’s Schmidt, two mismatched police buddies whose main skill seems to be acting juvenile. Naturally, they go undercover as high school students in order to take down an illicit drug ring.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

This time around, Jenko and Schmidt are going to college. And, in order to maintain the continuity that the police force sees as success, they go undercover with the exact same back stories and identities, despite those being blown at the end of the last film.

The emotional conflicts are the same as they were previously, though reversed here, with Schmidt being the awkward one this time around, and Jenko getting to be the successful popular one. Even some of the sequences are similar, i.e., the freaking out on the crazy designer drug scene.

Far from being lazy writing, however, “22 Jump Street” is doing everything it can to skewer the very concept of a sequel. It’s a brilliant move, making the movie almost impossible to criticize. When Schmidt’s art major girlfriend turns in a flat performance, you have to wonder, is it just because she’s not a good actress or that the writing isn’t very good, or is the flaw intentional because sequels tend to be shoddy rehashes? Hard to say.

Is the inclusion of Queen Latifah in a cameo that seems to have no importance or weight ironic stunt casting or actual stunt casting? I can’t tell.

Rarely do you go to see a big budget, mainstream comedy that is this self-aware and screwball. It’s good stuff, and very funny, but does get a little overbearing at times. The number of times they refer to their current assignment in the terms of a sequel starts to wear. OK — I get it. You the filmmakers are aware of how silly the original was, how unlikely it was to be a massive hit, and how silly sequels in general are. You can stop hitting me over the head with it.

I can’t complain too much about the filmmakers, though. Chris Miller and Phil Lord are the amazing creative team behind “The Lego Movie,” “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” and the original “21 Jump Street.” These guys are able to take bizarre, non-sensical concepts and spin them into pure gold. I don’t know that I would suggest “22” is gold, but it is a heck of a lot of fun.

One tip, stay for the credits, where the stars and their director lampoon the entire idea of a whole series of “Jump Street” films.

“22 Jump Street” is rated R for language, comedic violence, and mild sexual situations.

 

Chris Jenness is a freelance graphic designer, artist and movie buff who lives in Nikiski.

More in Life

The winning designs of the Second Annual City of Soldotna I Voted Sticker Contest are displayed. (Graphics courtesy City of Soldotna)
Winners announced for Soldotna voting sticker design contest

The voting stickers will be available at Soldotna polling locations during the Oct. 1 municipal election.

A screenshot of a photo from the rescue's Facebook page shows Sushi, a cat looking for a home for over two years now. (Photo courtesy of Clear Creek Cat Rescue)
Southcentral cat rescue seeking foster homes, adopters for stray felines

In 2024, the organization helped rescue 589 cats.

Nick Varney
Unhinged Alaska: I should have known better

It all started off rather quietly.

Capt. Karl Kircheiß, a decorated German sailor, visited Steve Melchior in Seward in 1932.
Steve Melchior: Treasured peninsula pioneer with a sketchy past — Part 3

Stephan “Steve” Melchior sent a friend to Katherine to tell her that he had died in Alaska.

File
Minister’s Message: Living like lambs (in the midst of wolves)

The only chance lambs have of survival is if they have a shepherd watching over them, guarding them, protecting them.

A healthy dose of shredded cheddar makes the veggies in this soup palatable even for the most sensitive diner. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Something warm and comforting

This mild and nutritious soup is full of fiber and vitamins, plus a healthy dose of shredded cheddar.

Forever Dance Alaska performers deliver a routine while walking with the 67th Annual Soldotna Progress Days Parade on Marydale Avenue in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, July 27, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
68th Annual Progress Days events to take place this weekend

The celebration includes events around town from Wednesday through Sunday.

Artist Ingrid McKinstry stands next to her current mixed media exhibit and her work available year-round at Fireweed Gallery in Homer, Alaska. Photo provided by Ingrid McKinstry
An exploration of curiosity

Homer artist showcases new and previously completed mixed media pieces.

Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
Attendees dance at Salmonfest in Ninilchik<ins>, Alaska,</ins> on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024.
Salmonfest to return for 15th year of fish, love and music

This year’s festival will take place from Aug. 1-3 at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds in Ninilchik.

Most Read