Comedy had an infamous era, it began back in the 90s with the release of Austin Powers, and it was elevated in the 2000s after dozens of films came out through the same lens. This was an era full of films that pushed themselves to be comedic gold, with content that is most likely going to be offensive for most modern audiences in 2022.
Films such as Superbad, This Is The End, Pineapple Express, The American Pie, Grown Ups, The Other Guys, and more were becoming instant classics. However, one of the most well-renowned films in this particular genre came out in 2012 titled 21 Jump Street.
How to Download 21 Jump Street (2012)
You can download the film from a digital store. You can also stream it. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice. If you like the film, check out also the sequel – 22 Jump Street (2014).
The Movie Review
Adapted from the hit series 21 Jump Street, this film is essentially a parody of undercover cops. The story follows Schmidt and Jenko from their final year in high school to graduating from the Police Academy and eventually landing as partners. The film shows their friendship as it grew over the years. However, they are demoted from beat cops due to something messed up that they did, they are sent to 21 Jump Street, an undercover operation for police officers to investigate drug crimes and drug trafficking in a local high school.
The film was directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller who did a fantastic job as partners to create one of the funniest films of the 2010s. The film goes hard in depicting some of the funniest police antics here and showcasing how these characters who are older tried to fit into high school while being undercover. The story might not be some of the most believable content you will see, but the execution is genuinely some of the best.
The Characters
The characters are developed throughout the story, as they find their own place in the world they are living in. Schmidt begins to feel more comfortable as a high schooler in his older age, meanwhile Jenko hours to feel like an outsider and feels betrayed by his best friend who isn’t giving him enough attention. It’s a high school dramedy from the perspectives of almost 40-year-olds.
The thing that makes this film even funnier is the fantastic performance by both Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. Not only are the two leads insanely funny throughout the runtime of this film, but they also embody their characters full and front. Their dialogue delivery and their body language fit perfectly with the tone of this movie. Not to mention, the dialogue here is some of the funniest I have heard in ages. Of course, Ice Cube as the Sergeant is also one of the funniest side characters in recent films, while Johnny Depp gets a fantastic cameo in the final act.
The Visuals
The film isn’t too great visually though, the cinematography is as bland as you would find it in any other comedy film of the past two decades. Of course, it serves the film well due to it being a campy and innately funny comedy film. However, at times it feels like it’s missing in artistic vision, due to a lack of great lighting, editing, and of course camera work.
The Soundtrack
The soundtrack is not too bad though, in fact, it makes the film feel so much more fun to watch. You hear this triumphant soundtrack playing while the police officers are doing some of the dumbest things possible, it just works as comedic gold. Not to mention, it’s one of the best soundtracks in a police film to date, not only in this film in particular but in general. It fits the American patriotism bill and serves the film perfectly.
The Verdict
21 Jump Street is a romp. it’s a delightfully witty film, consisting of a dedicated cast and crew who are giving it their best to make this film an entertaining misadventure.
Not only does this film succeed in keeping you laughing throughout its runtime, but it also succeeds in telling a fun and interesting story that unfolds slowly with some fantastic twists at the end. of course, it’s lacking visual vision, but it’s only a minor setback in the grand scheme of things.
