Now THIS is how you do a comedy sequel!

Rating: 8/10 (21 July 2014)

When it comes to making a sequel to a smash hit comedy, it's never an easy task. Most of the time, a sequel will follow the exact same outline as its predecessor in hopes that it will bring forth as many laughs. Examples of such carbon copy sequels are "Home Alone 2" and "The Hangover Part 2". Such sequels very seldom succeed, as jokes are usually only funny the first time around. Phil Lord and Chris Miller knew this, and made "22 Jump Street" a complete satire of itself. Most of the gags are the same as the first movie, but the characters are aware and they emphasize it in a way that makes it hysterical. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum bring the same level of comedic energy to Schmidt and Jenko respectively as they did in the first movie, and Ice Cube is equally as scene stealing. Despite many recycled gags, there are also plenty of fresh new ones. The best part is during the end credits, when it jokes about the ridiculous amount of sequels which could make up the franchise.
Bottom line, "22 Jump Street" may not be as hilarious as the first one, but it is clever enough in its own right that it is worth recommending. It falls into the same category as other sequels like "Gremlins 2" and "Anchorman 2", where it satirizes itself for being a sequel. There are also some clever plot twists which even M. Night Shyamalan never would have seen coming. Check it out!