Lord and Miller Strike Comedy Gold

Rating: 8/10 (30 June 2014)

What a pleasant surprise this is and a joy! 21 Jump Street was also an unexpected treat, because truth be told it did not look as though it had enough comedic potential for a feature length film. The director duo, Phil Lord and Chris Miller, have proved themselves worthy of comedies for the younger generation with The Lego Movie which was released this year as well. Yet for the adolescents their footing comes much more naturally.
22 Jump Street takes place after the events of 21; Jenko and Schmidt have successfully brought down the destruction of the drug HFS at a high school. They saved the damsel in distress (Brie Larson) who added warmth and fire to the film. Then proceeded to stop Mr Walters and Eric from getting out of the drug charges; they now share a cell together – much to Eric's annoyance. This provides an exceptional end credits scene, so be sure not to leave until the curtains are closed.
In 22, Jenko and Schmidt are enrolled into college by Captain Dickson, played with laugh-a-second gags by Ice Cube. They yet again have to stop a drug known as the street name WHYPHS (the unabbreviated version is hilarious), which when spoken sounds similar to Wi-Fi. So in terms of the plot and structure there is little difference to this film and its predecessor. It has the same bromance theme – helped tremendously by Schmidt and Jenko's chemistry and likability; which shine here. There are car chases and numerous action scenes; this is more of a buddy-cop film than the first, but I'm not complaining. We also get another romance between Schmidt and Maya (Amber Stevens). This sadly, feels out of place and taped in at the last minute, only to serve as conflict towards Schmidt and Jenko's appreciation for each other. It begs comparison between Molly and Schmidt in the previous film and the romance here feels forced and under-developed.
What it comes down to is that this is more of the same – if you liked the first, you'll enjoy this more and if you didn't then you will dislike it. But, you probably already know if this film is for you, however if you are unsure I implore you to watch it. Overall, the film is funnier, alas this sometimes comes at the expense of the film's heart – something had to give. The jokes come thick and fast, at several points I had to hold on to my belly in fear that I might just die from laughing. Ice Cube gets a supporting role this time, rather than the almost cameo appearance he had in 21. This is definitely the film's strongest point and it utilises it to the max. He gets the broadest laughs and I can only hope he has even more screen time in the inevitable 23 Jump Street.
Yet, one of the greatest elements about this film is how knowing and self-aware it all is. It is as if the directors are winking at the audience, and this does not come across as cheesy, which it could easily have done if not handled with care. There are nods at other franchises, gags about clichés ("the girl always gets kidnapped") which are turned on its head. Jokes about how this will not be as good or as fun as last time. Yet, for all the times that the film says it won't be as awesome as the last, this is not the case and I am all the more happy for it.
If you thought that Lord and Miller might have lost their touch after delving into kiddie fare, then rest assured this instalment is as great as if not funnier and better than the last. This is one of the best comedies in years, I am sure it will stand the test of time like Shaun of the Dead will. It has the potential to be as outrageously hilarious as Pegg and Frost's Cornetto trilogy. This outing proves that the director duo is more than up to the challenge.