21 Jump Street (2012)
- The incredible score for 21 Jump Street was composed in just a few weeks after the original composer dropped out.
- Phil Lord, Christopher Miller originally wanted a completely different ending for the film, but test audiences preferred the one we see today.
- The original script for 21 Jump Street was written over a decade before production finally began in 2012.
21 Jump Street is a 2012 American buddy cop action comedy directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum star as Schmidt and Jenko, two former high school classmates โ Schmidt the nerd, Jenko the jock โ who became unlikely friends at the police academy and are now assigned to an undercover unit operating out of the revived 21 Jump Street program, posing as high school students to infiltrate a drug ring. The comedy is driven by their discovery that high school social dynamics have completely changed since their graduation โ Schmidt's sensitivity and environmental awareness make him popular while Jenko's aggressive jock persona is now considered uncool, forcing both men to confront their unresolved adolescent insecurities.
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller's self-aware direction acknowledged the absurdity of the premise โ the film opens with characters literally commenting on the lack of originality in recycling old TV shows โ and channeled that meta-awareness into a comedy that was smarter than it had any right to be. Channing Tatum's comedic timing was a revelation, demonstrating range that his action and romantic roles hadn't hinted at, while Jonah Hill's co-writing and producing role gave the film a personal investment that elevated the material. Ice Cube was perfectly cast as the perpetually angry Captain Dickson. 21 Jump Street earned $201 million worldwide on a $42 million budget and revitalized the buddy cop comedy genre.
