Just like the last one

Rating: 8/10 (25 October 2017)

This sequel makes no bones about the fact that it is trying to repeat the successful formula of '21 Jump Street' the Jump Street operation has moved to a new superior premises opposite the old one and Schmidt and Jenko are once again undercover in an educational establishment this time they are trying to find who is dealing a new designer drug in a college. Jenko quickly becomes friends with members of the football team, especially quarterback 'Zook'; this leads to our dynamic duo being invited to join a frat house Jenko fits right in but Schmidt realises it's not for him so goes and hangs out with the art student. While the athletic Jenko enjoys a night with the boys Schmidt spends the night in the bed of Maya, a beautiful arts student. Before the case is solved suspects emerge and an innocent man is arrested before Schmidt and Jenko finally face down the real culprits during Spring Break festivities.
If you watched '21 Jump Street' and weren't amused then don't bother watching this; however if you enjoyed it then you should enjoy this just as much. The plot is basically the same as the first but the college setting allows for some different gags. Many of the gags are very meta with talk of everything being just the same as before and the sight of an empty lot with a '23 Jump Street' hoarding just waiting for their next HQ. While much of what happens isn't surprising a few unexpected things did happen the best being when we learn who the Maya's father is; possibly the funniest moments in the film resulted from this. The identity of the dealer is also a little bit of a surprise. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum have a good chemistry as Schmidt and Jenko and Ice Cube is great as their boss. Of the non-recurring characters Amber Stevens West and Wyatt Russell impress as Maya and Zook. Overall I wouldn't say this is the greatest film but if you enjoyed the first and want more silly fun then this is well worth watching.