Film Review - 22 Jump Street

Bad Boys

Film: 22 Jump Street

Cast: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube

Directed by: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller

Duration: 1 hr 52 mins

Rating: *  *  *

After a fun outing in 21 Jump Street, the duo of Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill return as undercover cops in this sequel which is as entertaining as the previous one, if not more. Yes the gags are pretty much the standard ones yet Tatum and Hill manage to pull it because of their camaraderie. 

You don’t need a magnifying glass to figure out that the story of 22 is much the same of 21. The directors Phil Lord, Christopher Miller also make a point about Hollywood and sequels in the innovative end credits.

Much like what they did last time around, Schmidt (Tatum) and Jenko (Hill) are sent to a college as undercover agents, there is a deadly drug doing the rounds on the premises and their job is to bust the gang. 

The usual red herrings and a bit of action, it’s all there in place but rather than the story, it is chemistry between the actors and the light weight nature of the episodes what keeps the film going. It doesn’t take itself too seriously hence you can go with the flow but don’t expect anything radical here.

Can’t be sure of it but many of the scenes look like they were improvised and it works in favor of the film.  Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are the stars, whether it their ‘breakup’ scene or the dead pan comic ones; they carry the film with élan.

A word about the censors- the film has an Adult certificate and yet there are so many swear words and parts of a sentence that are muted which makes you wonder why on earth they are trying to play big daddy. 

As for the film, if you are looking for entertainment then 22 Jump Street provides a decent dose of it.  

Published in The Navhind Times on 3rd Aug 2014 

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Film Review - Wolf of Wall Street

                                                    

Money For Nothing 

Film: The Wolf of Wall Street

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Duration: 2 hrs 54 mins

Rating: *  *  *  *

Based on a book by Jordan Belfort (inspired by his own true story) The Wolf of Wall Street, to begin with, proves that director Martin Scorsese is on the top of his game. A film of this caliber had to be made by someone special and Scorsese has delivered the knockout punch.

It also has a superb screenplay by television writer Terence Winter and even though the film clocks three hours (six minutes have been chopped off by the censors), they are the breeziest three hours you’ve encountered at the cinemas in a while. This is one helluva trip.  

Jordan (Leonardo DiCaprio) was just an ordinary guy till he got a break on Wall street as a dealer. Soon he branched off and started on his own and with a motley crue, it didn’t take him long to climb the ladder. Their modus operandi was simple – sell penny stocks to unsuspecting clients and make money. Soon he had so much that didn’t know what to do with it.

Apart from the love of money, there were other serious vices as well – drugs and women. In the form of tablets or powder Jordan was addicted to it and he also left his first wife and married a pretty woman (Margot Robbie). The chickens had to come to roost and greed may be good, but not for long as finally, the long arm of the law catches up with him.

Reflecting the high that Jordan has all the time, the pace of the film is relentless and every scene exudes so much energy. Scorsese has also laced it with humor which is not necessarily meant to be funny-you may let out a chuckle but the irony of the situation at times goes beyond the obvious humor. And that’s where Scorsese might also be trying to make a point about the perils of a fast life. He also doesn’t pass any judgment on the characters - it is all there for the audience to see.  

We don’t really know how much of Jordan’s claims are true and about the accuracy of what has been depicted. But that aside, what we do know is that Scorsese has made a film that will stay with you for a long time and you wouldn’t mind watching it again to admire his art.

Margot Robbie (who was also noticed in About Time recently) as the trophy wife not only looks pretty but acts with confidence. Jonah Hill as Jordan’s partner is aptly cast and the other supporting actors like Jean Dujardin and Matthew McConaughey make their presence felt. The film is also a triumph for Leonardo DiCaprio who has given an outstanding performance. Surely he is in the race for the Oscars with this film, not that it matters a lot.

The Wolf of Wall Street is one of the best films in recent times, don’t miss it.  

Published in The Navhind Times on 5th Jan 2014

www.twitter.com/sachinchatte