22 Jump Street - B

Rated R, 109 minutes

Witty "22 Jump Street" is nothing new, but still crackles with fun

Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum

I will admit I wasn't a fan of the big-screen comic adaptation of "21 Jump Street," but then I wasn't a fan of the 1980s Fox TV show, either, which provided some fun moments but little else. The witty, charming "22 Jump Street" continues the hijinks on a bigger scale (and budget) with more foul-mouthed hijinks and criminals. It's hardly original yet filled with some pure energy and fun, not to mention the leads' solid chemistry. Think of "22 Jump Street" as this generation's "Lethal Weapon." After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) when they go deep undercover at a local college to solve a murder that revolves around a new high-powered drug. They must work to crack the case before drug use spreads and their professional and personal relationship is put to the test. Directed by the team of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who directed the first outing, "22 Jump Street" is a more elaborate, more adult comedic sequel that is hardly anything new and goes on a little too long in the last act, but it's still one of the wittier comedies of late, crackling with some laugh-out moments. Even more so, the inspired chemistry of the leads almost single-handedly carries the film, and without it, it wouldn't be near as good. Tatum and Hill obviously enjoy working together, and Hill in particular is bursting with comic prowess, even if the thin, predictable plotting is pretty standard (drugs - again - ho hum) even by crime comedy standards. If Tatum and Hill are the Gibson and Glover of today, then Ice Cube is their Joe Pesci, their exceedingly (and largely unnecessary) foul-mouthed pain-in-the-rear, though he does provide a couple of the film's better moments, one involving his character's daughter hooking up with Schmidt. "22 Jump Street" (which is definitely not for the kids) still delivers some fine, crowd-pleasing moments that puts it a notch above the rest in this genre, though it could use some more original touches. Speaking of which, stay over for the credits and some hilarious moments as the duo skewer their own sequel and popularity, along with some star cameos. The energetic, entertaining "22 Jump Street" should please fans of the first film and maybe even win over a few new fans along the way.

Wes's Grade: B