’22 Jump Street’ Review: The Ultimate Bromantic Comedy

By Carlos Aguilar.

Venturing into the land of hilarious self-parody the guys behind the “Jump Street” franchise decided to bash the mere existence of a sequel while at the same time deepening the relationship between the dismally opposite Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum). The result is a cheeky and unexpectedly clever follow-up to the smash hit that was the original – which was itself already a parody of the eponymous TV show.

The duo’s ridiculous bromance is taken to unforeseen heights here. These dudes really love each other -as friends of course – and despite the fact that the differences between are monstrous, they wholeheartedly need each other to survive the stupid scenarios they get themselves into. Such uncanny friendship developed in the first installment will be tested here with the appearance of a third bro into the equation. Can they overcome this bromantic triangle?

Returning in his perennial role as the angry man in charge (not only in these but in all films he’s ever been in) Ice Cube announces to his inept prodigies that they are going to college. Their mission is exactly the same as their previous assignment, to infiltrate the cool cliques and find out who is selling a new drug called “WHYPHY” which is supposed to get youngster very alert for a few hours before making them go wild. Having never experienced college before, the pair is eager to discover the hedonistic promises of sex, parties, and unforgettable memories.

Tatum’s character adapts rapidly into the frat life. Was there really any other choice for him? He also makes a new friend -the friendship wrecker aforementioned – Zook (Wyatt Russell) who is as dumb, easygoing, and good at football as Jenko. They immediately click making his partner lose his mind with jealousy. While sort of investigating their case, Schmidt meets an art student that enjoys his sensitive side, but who will turn out to be far from an ideal match.

Having to overcome a few “red herrings,” they are out of leads and their relationship is on the rocks. Hazing rituals, makeshift couples therapy, an unsuspected villains, and Spring Break will help them rediscover their friendship and why they are good for each other even when it doesn’t quite seem like it. These endearing shenanigans solidify both actors as comedic powerhouses turning mundane college occurrences into hilarious gems. Tatum as Jenko is the muscle of the operation, a big douchebag with a heart of gold that puts up with his more antisocial buddy. The latter is needy and protective of the only real friendship he’s had, even if his best pal tends to be a testosterone-possessed airhead. Such great chemistry really delivers on the laugh-out-loud moments. Hill and Tatum are the newest power couple in town.

Commanding the film once again, co-directors Chris Miller & Phil Lord fully exploit the intelligent screenplay that really gets a laugh out of the protagonists’ age and Hollywood’s ridiculous, but very lucrative obsession with sequels. By understanding the tone of the film and blowing it all out of proportions, the team has scored themselves the ultimate “bromantic” comedy with enough sophistication to keep everyone wanting more. Those who look for substance in the writing will find it here, of course relative to the genre and scope, and the vast majority that craves some memorable multiplex time will not be disappointed with the gags. Lastly, one must note that the end credits in “22 Jump Street” might be the greatest in recent memory. Rarely does a movie take the time to put so much effort in that neglected final element.

“22 Jump Street” is in theaters now nationwide.