Blu-ray Review: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill in Funny ‘21 Jump Street’

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CHICAGO – What a year Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill have had. Tatum has starred in three $100-million-plus films — “The Vow,” “21 Jump Street,” and “Magic Mike” — along with another film directed by the great Steven Soderbergh (“Haywire”). He’s had one of the best years for a young actor in recent memory. And so has his “Jump” co-star who earned an Oscar nomination for his work in “Moneyball” and is set to appear in next year’s “The Watch.” These are likable, talented guys and they carry “21 Jump Street,” an inconsistent but often very funny comedy.

Rating: 3.5/5.0

I wish the writing was better in this mostly clever update of the legendary TV hit about cops going undercover in a high school but the ensemble is talented enough and the core of the idea clever enough that it makes for a worthwhile rental. I love the idea that a few years time has separated the dork (Jonah Hill) from the jock (Channing Tatum) to the point that things once considered the playground of the former (environmentalism, sensitivity, etc.) are now popular and the bullying of the latter are now un-cool. That’s pretty smart. And Tatum and Hill are just having a blast here. Their talent and joy in the roles are infectious. It’s easy to see why they’re having two of the most impressive years for young actors in Hollywood. They deserve it.

Making this trip an even-easier one to recommend is the quality Blu-ray release from Sony with some funny deleted scenes, clever featurettes, and a strong commentary. Add the typically-great HD transfer skills of Sony and you have one of the best comedy Blu-rays of the year to date.

21 Jump Street was released on Blu-ray and DVD on June 26, 2012
Photo credit: Sony

Synopsis:
Former high school foes turned rookie cop partners can’t catch a break - until they’re assigned to pose as students and bust a drug ring inside their old alma mater. Living like teenagers again, they slip back into their adolescent selves and risk the case - and their friendship - with hysterically disastrous results! Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum and Ice Cube star in this outrageously hilarious action-comedy!

Special Features:
o Commentary With Director’s And Cast
o Back To School
o 20 Deleted Scenes
o Gag Reel
o Johnny Depp On Set
o Cube-O-Rama
o Brothers In Arms
o Peter Pan On The Freeway
o The Rob Riggle Show

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com