Pretty decent reboot/continuation or sequel

Rating: 7/10 (15 October 2012)

It probably falls flat as straight out parody because there are a few scenes that really borders on syrupy melodrama, but for what it's worth, you do get quite a few good chuckles out of this slick send-up.
If there are still people who remember what the original show was about, and there are, the series was pretty much a straight drama. It is therefore refreshing that this is mainly comedic.
I will say that I am not a fan of Jonah Hill, and since his name is pretty much all over this (exec producer, writer, star), I will have to blame him for the movie's shortcomings, which are few, but still counts as not recommending the show flat out. Take for example a character played by The Office star, Ellie Kemper. I didn't laugh. Another is one of the main villains, who should have been funny, but just feels annoyingly like a character commenting on the clichés. It should have been funny but again falls flat.
Surprisingly, the more inexperienced actors save the day. The kid brother of James Franco is exactly right as to what his character is supposed to represent and it's a nice twist that he represents everything that is uncool to the jock cop, Channing Tatum. As for Channing Tatum, it's odd how much he looks like both Tommy Lee Jones and a little bit Heath Ledger. He is the straight man, so he doesn't really get to strut any stuff, except for a crucial scene somewhere in the middle. He will probably be the next big movie star.
So, it offers a few laughs but even though it's a bit long, it curiously has an unsatisfying ending, possibly because they are already cooking up a sequel. The story is also a bit old hat, but all in all, pretty enjoyable.
By the way, the cameos are at least hilarious.