21 Jump Street

Release Date: Mar 16, 2012 

Runtime: 1 hr. 50 min. 

Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller 

Cast: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube, Nick Offerman, Rob Riggle, Brie Larson, Dave Franco.

In a remake of what launched the insanely diverse career of Johnny Depp is "21 Jump Street," a high school satire with an R-rated edge. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum star as undercover cops returning to their alma mater to investigate the circulation of a new synthetic drug. With badges on the line, as well as their friendship, the two get a second chance at adolescence, only to realize that high school isn't exactly how they left it. While teenage comedies are a dime a dozen, "Jump Street" plays to its stereotypes, and does it well for the most part. What makes it fun is its self-awareness of being a remake. Not pretending to be a true adaptation of the hit 80's series, its modern-day update is what keeps it entertaining, if not for its forceful use of humor. Extreme vulgarity and a full-fledged bromance are just some of the qualities that make or break the comedy, depending on your preference. Unlike the similarly conceived "Superbad," the jokes are oftentimes conventional, and more juvenile than expected. But the chemistry between the two leads helps overshadow the film's flaws, and keeps the plot moving in a linear direction. Never a fan of Tatum's monotonous range of work, his comic delivery in "Jump Street" far surpasses mediocre expectations, and livens his potential, even if only temporarily. At any rate, there's sufficient room to grow. After all, what comes after high school?

Rating: 3½ stars