The concept of turning an old television series into a movie is not something new in Hollywood or to audiences. Under the direction of Phil Lord and Chris Miller, “21 Jump Street” breathes new life into the 1980s hit uncover cop series that was once a cultural phenomenon.
Jenko (Channing Tatum) and Schmidt (Jonah Hill) have known each other since high school and could not be greater opposites. Jenko was the handsome jock who flunked every class, while Schmidt was the nerd with braces who dressed like Eminem in the “Slim Shady” years. The pair manipulated their differences to help each other get into the police academy and quickly became the best of friends.
Newly minted from the academy, Jenko and Schmidt are sent to 21 Jump Street to revive an old program of uncover cops, disguising themselves as high school students to infiltrate a violent and dangerous drug ring before it spreads outside the school. Jenko and Schmidt dress down to blend in with the “cool” crowd led by Eric (Dave Franco).
They quickly realize that everything about the high school social ladder is a complete 180 from what they once knew due to a heavily “Glee”-influenced era (as Jenko blames in one situation). “Hip” students are intelligent, tolerant, and environmentally conscious. The new social norms give Schmidt a boost up to the popular kids, while Jenko is kicked to the bottom of the chain with several chemistry nerds.
As Schmidt discovers the fun side of high school years he never had, his friendship with Eric grows stronger, and Jenko fears that his best friend and undercover brother may be going in too deep.
