22 Jump Street
2014
***½
Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Cast: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Peter Stormare, Wyatt Russell, Amber Stevens, Jillian Bell, Ice Cube, Jillian Bell, Jimmy Tatro
In the follow-up to the enjoyable 21 Jump Street, Schmitty and Jenko go to college in search of another drug supplier. Their latest undercover operation puts their strong friendship to a test when Jenko is distracted by college football and his new frat boy buddies. From early on, this self-aware comedy points out that the second time is never as good as the first time, even if you use more money. However, unlike Muppets Most Wanted, which used the same exact gag, this sequel actually is as fresh and inspired as the original. By now, the characters have become nicely familiar and their old bickering (gay) couple shtick produces a great many laughs. The hilarious end title scene takes the sequel gag to a whole new level.
