It is commonly thought that the sequel to a movie is never as good as the original. In fact, most people say that the sequel ruins the original film. Well, that is not the case with 22 Jump Street, the sequel to the hilarious 21 Jump Street.
22 Jump Street left the laughing audience holding their sides with its continuous and satisfying humor. Naturally, the sexual jokes and quips resulted in a wide-eyed, head-shaking, tear-wiping audience begging for more. But along with the humor, there was a fair share of action with intense car chases and crazy gun fire.
The two masterminds behind 21 Jump Street, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, continued to perfect their directing skills by reuniting for 22 Jump Street. Meanwhile, writer Michael Bacall had the help of none other than Jonah Hill with the hilarious screenplay for this movie.
The hysterical relationship between the lead characters, Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, did not disappoint in the sequel. Their chemistry appeared on screen once again resulting in gut-busting laughter, and even a few cringe worthy moments (naturally, some of the sexual humor got a tad out of hand).
Hill and Tatum were accompanied by Wyatt Russell, Amber Stevens, and Jillian Bell. Gratifyingly, Ice Cube returned to the screen to counter Hill’s and Tatum’s characters, providing a plot twist that left the audience gasping and tearful with laughter. Dave Franco and Rob Riggle also returned to play minimal, yet necessary (and of course comical) roles in this sequel.
Ice Cube’s line at the end of 21 Jump Street, “You two sons of b…. are going to college!” set up the plot for 22 Jump Street, where the two partners and friends (Hill and Tatum) go undercover as college students to put a stop to the synthetic drug “WHYPHY” [wi-fi].
While in college, the two go through stereotypical college experiences like Fraternity hazing, a “walk of shame” after a one-night stand, and – of course – the joys of Spring Break.
22 Jump Street is definitely worth watching. It is a satisfying sequel that leaves the audience wanting more.
Spoiler Alert: The movie made subtle hints that there will be a 23 Jump Street sometime in the near future, and hopefully, it is as successful as the first two.
Breanne Orey
Layout Editor
borey@ucmerced.edu