Film Review: '22 Jump Street' is a sequel that deserves repeats

Director: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
Cast: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube, Peter Stormare
Rating: ***1/2

What's it about: Schmidt (Hill) and Jenko (Tatum), as promised at the end of 21 Jump Street, return as the bumbling cops who this time around, go undercover to contain a drug menace at a local college.

What's hot: Seen 21? No? Well, you don't miss much. There's a recap at the beginning. The first half is pretty similar to the first film's initial premise and that's something Ice Cube takes pains at making you aware of (he has a more prominent role in this film). And then, somewhere in between, the film takes on a life of its own. The no-brainer laugh-out-loud moments come thick and fast. The bromance spills over, the pseudo-gay banter goes into overdrive, the sight gags go on and on. There are no half-measures from there on. You have to love the fact that the film is incredibly silly and that it revels in that. Tatum and Hill's one-twos are flat-out funny. What they share in this film has got to be more than chemistry. Lord and Miller have a winner on their hands here. And yeah, whatever you do, sit through the end credits.

What's not: A wee bit longer than the other two films releasing this week, 22 could've done with a sharper, tighter first half. 

What to do: Call a friend and drag him/her along for this one. And then watch it once more. It's one of those rare times a sequel does one better than its predecessor.