21 Jump Street (*** out of ****)

This early in the year and I'm sure we're looking at one of the best comedies 2012 will offer. I personally love getting ti now. 21 Jump Street is hilarious...that's really it. A typical comedy should make you laugh and leave you entertained. This film does that gloriously. When rating the film compared to other comedies a nice strong 3/4 stars seems just right.

Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are opposite style police offers who join a unit that infiltrates high schools with young looking officers. In their first assignment they must find a dealer that is distributing a powerful new drug. Dave Franco, Brie Larson and Ice Cube round up a truly funny supporting cast.

What I really want to talk about with this film is that it never takes itself seriously. Yes, most comedies do that. However 21 Jump Street clearly knows where action movies and comedies get wound up in creating drama that you know will be resolved eventually. Here is a film that makes jokes on these plot structures. Whether it be a joke referring to remakes being stupid (this is based on TV show if you didn't know), the logistics/expectations of explosions or that Channing Tatum looks far too old to be a high schooler the film aims for big laughs and succeeds If you're looking for just good old and uproarious fun well then look no further.

*** out of ****