21 Jump Street

Directed by Phil Lord & Chris Miller, Columbia Pictures, 2012.

Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube, Brie Larson, Dave Franco and Rob Riggle.

Genre: Action, Comedy.

Question: Did you think I would review this film? Well, I did not. In fact, I flat out said I was NOT going to review it, but I couldn't keep ignoring all the chatter about how 21 Jump Street was surprisingly good. And now I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I need to stop presuming the worst when I see a preview. Yeah, I said that.

To be completely honest, when I saw the trailer for 21Jump Street, and I saw it several times because I didn't think I would end up seeing the movie, I immediately thought, "That's not how the TV show was. It wasn't a comedy, goof-ball, buddy genre. Pass." Yes, I watched the original show and really enjoyed it. It was on while I was in high school so I was smack dab in the middle of the perfect demographic. Plus, I thought Johnny Depp was a fox (and still do)! So with that confession out the way, seeing Channing Tatum (who ain't too shabby) and Jonah Hill as an odd couple lead characters I was turned off. But I saw it anyway. Well, I must say the pairing worked and made the film a decent one. 

First, let me say that both actors have slowly become more appealing with their recent projects and as I view them in films. Jonah Hill was fantastic in Moneyball and Channing Tatum was down-right adorable in The Vow. I have become fans of theirs now and you know what happens then? All bets are off and I will probably see most, if not all, of their film from now on. (Yes, I have seen some of their other work).

Second, although the script is vastly different than the TV show the writers took an approach to tell the high school undercover cop tale that I wasn't expecting. What was it? Well, I am NOT going to tell you except to give you a hint and say: opposite. That's it. It’s my only clue. It was brilliant and why I think another reason 21 Jump Street worked.

Finally, back to the actors, Tatum and Hill. I mentioned that the pairing of the two completely different personas matched up well. As they say, opposites attract and it's true here. Jonah Hill plays the nerdy, over-achiever, low self-esteem-just-wanting-to-be-liked-and-fit-in character. And Channing Tatum, charmingly, pulls off the overly confident, not-so-bright, athletic character. They knew of each other in high school and then meet again at the police academy later in life and end up as partners. The balance of what the other lacked or needed was artfully, albeit somewhat juvenile and moronically portrayed at times, calibrated.

Would people of my parents' generations like this film? Probably not. It wasn't made for them in mind. It was made for today’s youth and the nostalgia-seeking generation that I am currently in. Just to let you all know - this paragraph is laced with hints - hints on what? Well, I am not gonna say but read it carefully as I never leave hints like this - ever!

My favorite thing: Well, if I told you it might ruin something for those who will see it.

My least favorite thing: That during one scene I was laughing so hard and trying not to throw up all at the same time.

Rating: R

Length: 109 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

For my review on Moneyball or The Vow - click on the movie titles.

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The Rum Diary

Directed (and written) by Bruce Robinson, GK Films, 2011. Starring Johnny Depp, Giovanni Ribisi, Richard Jenkins, Amber Heard, Michael Rispoli and Aaron Eckhart.

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Question: What would your reaction be if you were hired to work for a failing newspaper; the editor doesn't care for the writers at all; you have a bit of an alcohol problem and you can't find your writer's "voice"? Well, you actually have more problems than that but I won't give the whole movie away. However, I just saw The Rum Diary - a movie based on the book by Hunter S. Thompson and that's what's this movie is about, mostly.

If I were in a situation like that, my reaction, if you must know, would look like this: I would write about what I love (movies), really hope Karma works because payback's a bitch, have a few glasses of red wine or maybe I should try a gin and tonic, realize most days are like Fridays (best day of the week) because I had my "voice" all along. I would also befriend the staff at the newspaper because that's what creative minds do..find a support system that actually understands you. But this movie isn't about me now, is it?

I must say right off the bat - that the preview I saw for The Rum Diary was bit misleading. It portrayed the film as a comedy or a really offbeat story. Now, don't get me wrong, there were parts where I smiled and even giggled but I would call this a drama. Also, I am unclear why it was also listed as a mystery & thriller by IMDb. I didn't find it to be either.

The Rum Diary is about a man, Paul Kemp played by Johnny Depp, who moves to San Juan to write for a newspaper. He is an unpublished novelist who doesn't have faith in himself as a writer and he's a bit of a lost man. However, when he gets down to Puerto Rico he gets sidetracked when he becomes in involved with some unscrupulous people. Paul Kemp has a bit (understatement) of a drinking problem but apparently everyone on the island likes to drink rum. That's it - no more detail about the story.

I started off liking the film, it was quick, funny and I enjoyed meeting all the characters. However, the movie slowed down a bit towards the middle - to almost a standstill and I got a little bored. In fact, I almost stopped caring about the characters including the lead. I am not sure the vision of the book translated well to the screen but since I didn't read the book I can't be certain. Plus, something was off with the editing of The Rum Diary. It seemed like scenes were either cut short, cut out completely or some just added in to show off the dialogue. (I'll get to the dialogue in a minute.)

There was one thing that I loved throughout this film: the dialogue. It was brilliant. I want to leave some quotes here but there were so many I could share that I don't think I could pick just one. Hunter S. Thompson was a stellar writer with his own unique vision of how to describe things. For that alone I would recommend the movie. Plus, Johnny Depp delivered the lines beautifully and in such a subtle way. I really want to see it again just for dialogue.

There is some narration in the beginning and then it picked up again at the end. Not sure why there wasn't much in the middle. I believe it would have helped when the story stagnated.  Anyway, if you are writer and if you have ever struggled with it - and you know we all have - this story might just inspire you.

My favorite thing: So many great quotes. Wish I could manipulate words that brilliantly.


My least favorite thing: I got a little bored.

Rating: R
Length: 120 minutes


Review: 5 out of 10

Click on film poster to watch instantly: