entertainme: "21 jump street" review

Several years ago just before "Superbad" came out I was having dinner with my friend Kari who was at the time, a publicist with Sony Pictures. She said "I can't wait until you see 'Superbad.' You will love this movie. Love it." A few weeks later I did the movie junket for this film and I loved it. And I feel the same way about "21 Jump Street." I can't wait for you to see it. You will love this movie. Love it.






I could tell you that this film starring Jonah Hill ("Moneyball") and Channing Tatum ("The Vow") is about two immature cops who bungle their first bust and go undercover at a high school to infiltrate a drug ring. Hill & Tatum easily found their comedic rhythm in this film, surpassing the thought that a remake is rarely as good as the original. I could also tell you that the supporting actors Ice Cube ("Are We There Yet"), Nick Offerman ("Parks and Recreation), Ellie Kemper ("The Office"), Chris Parnell ("Saturday Night Live") wrap perfectly around this comedy duo into a sort of giant, whirling, perfect, synchronistic, comedic ball of fun. I could say those things.

What I will say is this: The audience roared throughout the film. Two girls sitting behind me last night provided a continuous chatter of backtalk to the screen which if it hadn't been so funny would have been incredibly annoying. Instead they said things "He's got a gun! Oh, my God. Is he gonna kill Jonah? Oh, don't kill Jonah. Jonah, run. Run faster, Jonah." It was just pure awesomeness. And I would be remiss if I didn't confess that during a drug tripping scene (onscreen, not in my seat) I laughed so hard that I hit my friend sitting next to me "As in, look! Look at the screen!!!"

There are some films where the trailer holds all the juiciness of a movie. That's not the case here. Watch the trailer, sure, but go see "21 Jump Street."

"21 Jump Street" is for: You. Take your friends, take your girlfriend, boyfriend, whatever. Whoever. Grab someone you like and take them to see "21 Jump Street" now. Just plain fun.

And here's a fun way to decide who pays for dinner after the movie. See which of your friends can memorize the Miranda Rights. Whoever fails, pays for dinner. (Though, the one who says it quicker may show that they have experience with being arrested. Just saying.)

Here it is. Your Miranda Rights:

You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do can and will be held against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you understand these rights as they have been read to you?