Leads Are the Only Thing That Jumps Here.

Rating: 5/10 (22 May 2015)

21 Jump Street (2012): Dir: Phil Lord, Chris Miller / Cast: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Brie Larson, Dave Franco, Ice Cube: Update of the classic TV show that starred Johnny Depp. It is a place of corruption as two young police recruits, played by Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are sent undercover to smoke out a drug ring. After the initial concept the screenplays descends into formula, which consists mainly of drug and drunken jokes until arriving at a familiar climax where a beloved damsel must be saved within a car chase. Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller pull off some effective action scenes but the film is nothing more than a drunken update. Hill and Tatum pull through with many funny moments that do not save the film. They enter with fake names yet they manage to screw that up. That leaves the generally smart Hill entered into a Peter Pan play, while the athletic Tatum is stuck in chemistry class where the teacher drools over him. Brie Larson is given the thankless role of teenage damsel. She will obviously become disappointed when Hill's true nature is revealed but upon rescue it is all dim predictable rubbish. Dave Franco plays the young student drug peddler whom the guys must earn trust of in order to learn who his contacts are. Ice Cube as their captain is also the standard one dimensional figure who dishes out the orders. There are a couple great cameo appearances but that is the height of surprise as this becomes the latest in teen shame. Films like this can work if the issues at hand are addressed, but this screenplays jumps more than streets to present lifestyles teens should avoid. Score: 5 / 10