A Comedy That Knows It's Crazy

Rating: 8/10 (13 June 2014)

I think movies are at their best when they don't try to be anything but what their suppose to be. The Fast and Furious franchise do this by realizing how incredibly crazy the plot is, and embracing it. I think so far the Jump Street franchise has done the same. Because of how much of a surprise 21 Jump Street was, I went into this movie hoping it would at least be entertaining. Comedies always have a tough time with sequels. Usually because of using the same plot over and over again, hence The Hangover franchise. But 22 Jump Street tells us out of the gate that it's the same mission, with the same guys, and likely with the same outcome. I think 22 is superior to the original and in many ways opens the door for future sequels to come.
Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum not only have tremendous chemistry but the comedic timing for both is unbelievable. Especially for Tatum, who's roots had nothing to do with comedy. They are the perfect buddy cop duo. Ice Cube is also back and this time it's more than just a heightened cameo. He plays a crucial role especially near the end. I have to say the scene at the restaurant and back at 22 Jump Street about mid way through the movie, are two of the funnies scenes in cinema history. I laughed so hard I didn't even hear Tatum when he was running around the building high fiving everybody. Because the movie is basically the same, I think it does run into a few problems.
First off it's very predictable, and the character development is taken directly from the first Jump Street. As much as I thought I knew what was coming, most of the funny scenes were not spoiled by trailers. Which is definitely refreshing to hear about a comedy, especially in this day n age.
I thought Amber Stevens and Jillian Bell were two great additions to the cast, as they were both funny and in Stevens case, brought the few scenes with real charm to the screen. Overall I think it's better than the first and it's a good example of a sequel that is the same plot as the first, but is able to actually execute. It also has a high re-watch-ability factor much thanks to the duo of Tatum and Hill.
+The movie knows it's crazy
+Tatum and Hill are a perfect comedic duo
+Two Ice Cube scenes
+Comedy sequel that's better than the first
-Predictable
-Not much character development
8.5/10