21 JUMP STREET - New comedy duo have arrived.

This week saw a slight dilemma in choosing which film to see. A good few films out this week but we decided on something that was going to be light hearted and make us laugh for a few hours. I have to say we made a very good choice as that is exactly what we done for the few hours that this film was on the screen. It was light hearted, it was easy and above all the two leads had me laughing in anticipation for what they were going to do next.


The film is a reboot of an 80's TV programme. Have no fear mind you as I haven't seen it either but I don't think you really need to. The idea is this: 2 young cops make a hash of their first arrest and are sent to Jump Street to go undercover as two high school children to infiltrate a drugs ring. 'Infiltrate the dealers and find the supplier', as the brilliant Ice Cube barks out. The drug has killed one of the students and they must stop it from spreading to other schools before others die. I have to say though I can see why they would take the drug as it seems a hell of a lot of fun.

What is good about the film is that it is self-aware and takes the michael out of itself throughout. There are in jokes for cliched action flicks and reboot/remakes which are become tiresome. It is completely tongue in cheek and it is one reason that it remains so funny. Also the leads add to this. Their comedic chemistry and timing is spot on. I'm not either of the stars biggest fans. To me Jonah Hill plays the same roll in every film and Channing Tatum just cannot act. Here however the pair have completely changed my opinions. I believed both of them and they both have spells on the screen where they out shine the other. Comedy is definitely a route Tatum should go down.

Your sympathy for each character changes throughout. Hill starts as the loser at school and Tatum the cool kid, but when they go back undercover they see that the school world has changed and it is vice versa. It was weird to see people empathising with  the cool kid who was clearly upset the nerdy kid was finding new friends. It turns the entire cliched genre on it's head and it really works.

There is barely many negatives with the film. A slight lull in the middle is the only thing I can think of. Other than that the acting is great, the story is light and above all it is funny. That is all I'm expecting from a comedy. Also Ice Cube is great in his role and brings a lot of laughs to the film, as well as a very surprising cameo towards the end which I was completely not expecting. All in all a very good film, a lot of fun and a perfect way to enjoy a Friday night.

Pros: Made me laugh and the chemistry between the leads was perfect.

Cons: A slight lull in the middle.

7.5 / 10


Tolli


Top 10 of 2012 so far:


1. 21 Jump Street     7.5 / 10
2. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol     7 / 10
3. The Grey     7 / 10
4. Safe House     6 / 10
5. The Raven     6 / 10
6. Man On A Ledge     5 / 10
7. This Means War     5 / 10
8. J. Edgar     4.5 / 10
9. The Iron Lady     4.5 / 10
10. Shame     4 / 10