Sequels to comedy films rarely live up to the magic of the original installment. It is sometimes hard to pinpoint where exactly these attempts go wrong; it could be that the “newness” of the concept has just worn off for the audience, or studio meddling could have turned pure creativity into a financial minefield filled with worried executives. Perhaps an essential member of the cast or crew opts not to return, or maybe the story just was not built to go beyond a single great film? All of these scenarios have provided the world with uninspired follow-ups that just end up disappointing fans. Why do we keep coming back in the face of such poor odds? Honestly, because of films such as 22 Jump Street, a sequel that not only lives up to its predecessor, but actually surpasses it. Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller know how often sequels tend to disappoint, so they lean into the meta-commentary to provide a film so hilariously self-aware that you cannot help but be won over once again.
After their success in 21 Jump Street, officers Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) are living their best Bad Boys II life as they are out on the streets chasing down narcotics. After a hilariously botched operation with a group of drug dealers led by a man called The Ghost (Peter Stormare), the duo are once again put into the Jump Street program under the supervision of Captain Dickson (Ice Cube). In one of many pointed bits of commentary on the ridiculous nature of sequels, their headquarters have moved across the street to 22 Jump Street, which is the home to an over-the-top expensive base that is laughably opulent. Their assignment? As the film points out, exactly the same as the first film: go undercover as students to find the supplier of a new synthetic drug, only this time they are going to college. While some may argue that the film is too meta for its own good, it does a perfect job of letting the audience know that the creatives are aware that a sequel was unnecessary, but they are going to have as much fun with it as possible since it was going to be created regardless.
The high school setting of the first film allowed the characters to work through a lot of personal baggage that was necessary, but this shift to college expands the world so much in all of the best ways. Of course, the film feels bigger due to the increased budget that comes with a successful prior film, but it also complements the opening up one feels when heading to college for the first time. Hill and Tatum arguably have even stronger chemistry this go-around due to being more comfortable in their characters and having become real-life friends. Tatum especially seems more at-ease when it comes to improvising some truly laugh-out-loud lines. The film introduces some new blood into the cast that are right at home with our established stars. Asking me to pick a favorite is kind of a Sophie’s Choice, but both Jillian Bell, who plays an annoyed roommate with a few secrets, and the Lucas Brothers, who are twins to the max, had me rolling on the floor laughing. As a huge fan of the sadly cancelled Lodge 49, it was also fun to see Wyatt Russell (son of Kurt) as a dim-witted football player who connects with Jenko in a way that Schmidt cannot. This film tackles the complexity of friendship once again in a way that is just as satisfying.
It is hard to pinpoint exactly why this film rises above the first one other than to say it is simply funnier. The film is everything you love about the first installment with even more hilarious people added. Every single actor seems keenly aware of what the film needs tonally, and they execute that to perfection. I feel that Sony probably gave everyone a longer leash to indulge in their bizarre ideas that make the franchise what it is. There are moments during this film where you definitely see where this is the same team that made The Lego Movie. Lord and Miller are not afraid to take a strange detour where characters break the fourth wall or go on a fantasy-world drug trip because they trust their sense of humor. It should also be noted that they are extremely competent in their action directing, as well. This may be a comedy film, but the set pieces are as ambitious and fully-realized as any studio action film. If you are on the same comedy wavelength as Lord and Miller, you are going to love every moment of this film. 22 Jump Street and its predecessor are two of the funniest films to come out of the last decade, and I will advocate for them whenever I feel it is necessary.
Video Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of 22 Jump Street offers a lovely uptick in quality over the already incredible accompanying Blu-Ray, providing a slightly stronger upgrade than 21 Jump Street. Skin tones appear more natural with healthy doses of crisp detail apparent on faces such as pores. The increased range of the color spectrum is stunning to behold. The HDR enriches the colors from already impressive to out of this world when it comes to vibrancy. When the football players come on screen with their jerseys, take a look at how much the orange pops off the screen. The highlights in the film are more defined with whites more pure and balanced with no instances of blooming to be found. Elements in the latter half of the film at the beach are more vivid and finely delineated. The black levels are especially strong in this presentation, staying deep and inky with great detail. This 4K UHD presentation really delivers on all fronts including strong gains in clarity and color. The Blu-Ray is great, but Sony has delivered another demo-worthy transfer on this latest release.
Audio Quality
This disc comes equipped with a wonderful Dolby Atmos presentation that, like its predecessor, offers a noticeable improvement of the 5.1 Blu-Ray presentation. From the opening operation, the soundscape is set to deliver an expansive experience suitable for an action film. Sounds are appropriately rendered with precise directionality from the more kinetic action scenes to interpersonal moments of dialogue. Ambient details are plentiful and quite satisfying in the rear and overhead channels. The overhead channels serve to complement the other channels rather than carry the main load, which adds a nice sense of space to the mix. Musical cues, from the opening of “Turn Down For What?” and beyond, envelope the room with a vengeance. Dialogue is presented perfectly clear without ever being overwhelmed by any of the competing sonic elements. The heavy gunfire and crashes provide an all-encompassing soundscape that kicks in throughout all the speakers. The low end is engaged in a really solid way that will have your house shaking. The mix here is a really good upgrade for those with the home theater system to support it.
Special Features
UHD
- Big Time Action: An eight-minute look at the bigger action sequences of the film including the intense stunt work which Tatum tried to do as much as possible himself. This piece breaks down many of the set pieces from the movie with the stunt coordinator.
- How To Fight Funny: A nine-minute look at how the movie brings humor into the action pieces and how the more ambitious sequences are really a commentary on the nature of expensive sequels.
- Ice Cubed: A seven-and-a-half-minute look at what Ice Cube brings to the movie and how the film incorporates his traits. The cast and crew discuss his character’s hatred of Schmidt and how this movie reveals more about his personal life.
- Dick Graze: A two-minute rap song describing a new way to greet people courtesy of Channing Tatum and Jillian Bell. This is ridiculous, but so hilarious. One of my favorite features on the disc!
- Constructing Jump Street: A four-minute look at the new James Bond-esque lair upgrade that comes with the sequel, including the visual pun connected to Ice Cube. This also explores the costumes and the visual aesthetic of the campus.
- Ssshhhh – The Deleted Scene Library: A seven-minute series of ridiculously funny riffs between Hill, Tatum and Bell in the college library. Bell really shows off her comedic skills here.
- Jump Street Spring Break: A six-minute look at shifting the sequel to the spring break setting and how their version plays like the best possible version of one. In addition to the normal participants, you get a few interesting moments with Diplo here.
- Inside Whyphy: A five-minute look at the fictional drug in the film including the magical lands that it transports our protagonists to when they trip. Lord and Miller seem to have fun engaging a bit with their animated background in this sequence.
- Johnny Pemberton’s Nonsensical Tour: A four-and-a-half-minute tour with the hilarious Johnny Pemberton in which he takes you to all the normally unvisited parts of the set such as the restrooms.
- Theatrical Trailers: Two theatrical trailers, a red band trailer and two international trailers are provided here. These are really funny, but at least one does ruin the reveal of who the actual villains in the film turn out to be.
Blu-Ray
- Audio Commentary: As with the first film, directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are joined by Actors Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum to provide one of the most entertaining tracks I have listened to in some time. There is so much background information provided for the film, but mostly you just enjoy hearing these guys pal around for nearly two hours.
- Deleted & Extended Scenes: Forty minutes of unused footage from the film including an alternate opening, more scenes at the headquarters, more Jillian Bell hilarity, additional Rob Riggle prison action, additional drug trip footage and more. These scenes are offered with optional commentary from directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller.
- The Perfect Couple of Directors: A ten-minute look at the working relationship between Phil Lord and Chris Miller as told by the cast and crew. This also explores the idea for wanting to tackle a sequel while avoiding the typical pitfalls that plague them.
- Everything Is Better In College: An eight-minute look at how the movie expanded in scope from high school to college. The new setting opens up a whole new world including copious amounts of drinking and a larger array of personalities. The directors also share how their own college experiences shaped the film.
- Janning and Chonah: An eight-minute look at the chemistry between the leads and how their dynamic was tested in this film.
- New Recruits: A ten-minute look at the hilarious new additions to the film including Wyatt Russell, Jimmy Tatro, Amber Stevens, Kenny and Keith Lucas, and Jillian Bell.
- The Perfect Line: A seven-minute look at how the film employs improvisation to create the magic you see on screen. It is interesting to see the actors cycling through different lines and learning which of the actors feel the most confident in the process.
- Don’t Cut Yet: A nine-minute look at the prison scene with Rob Riggle from multiple different angles. Tatum and Hill can rarely contain their laughter during this sequence.
- Joke-A-Palooza: Six minutes of hilarious moments cut from the film. I laughed so hard at these, and I would highly recommend watching it.
- Line-O-Ramas: Ten minutes of additional humorous moments from the film including a brilliant improv from Patton Oswalt. These alternate takes are just as good if not better than what ended up in the film.
- The Dramatic Interpretation of 22 Jump Street: A ten-minute version of the film that cuts out anything that could be construed as funny, which makes it all the more hilarious. Such a great idea.
- Zook & McQuaid Scout Reel: A two-minute look at the scout reel that was discussed in the film. This gives Wyatt Russell and Tatum another chance to be patently ridiculous.
- Jenko Split: A minute-long parody of the Van Damme split that provides a nice throwaway laugh.
Final Thoughts
22 Jump Street is a film showcasing a group of talented people doing some of the best work of their career. Every aspect from the performances to the direction to the editing is executed perfectly. There may be comedies that are more emotionally fulfilling, but few comedies in the past decade have made me laugh as hard as this one. This 4K UHD Blu-Ray proves to be an even bigger step up from the Blu-Ray than its predecessor, as it offers a dazzling A/V presentation. Sony also included previously Best Buy exclusive special features to make this set even more well-rounded. There is absolutely nothing that would stop me from recommending this new release to anyone. Essential
22 Jump Street is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray and Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
