Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum play bumbling cops Schmidt and Jenko, who go undercover and back to high school in 21 Jump Street.

The film is a spinoff of the Fox TV show of the late ’80s and early ’90s, which helped launch the career of Johnny Depp but otherwise was kind of a throwaway show. This rewrite is a pleasant surprise.

Schmidt and Jenko, under the supervision of their police captain (played by Ice Cube), investigate a new illegal drug at the local high school. They are obviously too old to be in high school, and it doesn't matter. It's all part of the gag.

The premise is preposterous, and that is the charm of the film. There are plenty of car chases, explosions and laughs to occupy your time.

The chemistry between the leads is evident, and it pays off for you, the moviegoer.

Hill, who helped write the film, is perfectly typecast as the socially awkward outsider. Tatum is a big surprise as a comedic actor.

There are plenty of laughs here, and the film is a lot better than I expected.

The flick-o-meter gives 21 Jump Street four out of five.

Showtimes at Arbor Place Mall

21 Jump Street NEW!
R • 1 hr. 50 min. 

• 12:00
• 1:15
• 2:35
• 4:05
• 5:10
• 7:05
• 7:50
• 9:45
• 10:30

Dinner

Jump over to Johnny Rockets for dinner. You get a discount with your movie ticket stub!