Movies based on defunct TV show are all the rage again; The A-Team, The Green Hornet, The Last Airbender and Yogi Bear all spring to mind. Unfortunately, more often than not they aren’t very good! One movie that has long been suggested but hasn’t seen the light of day yet is 21 Jump Street.
For those who too young to remember 21 Jump Street was an American crime drama that aired on Fox in America and Sky in the UK in the late 80’s early 90s. The premise was simple, a small team of youthful-looking cops work undercover in schools and colleges to fight youth related crimes. Looking back it is very 80’s, the plots are thin and predictable and the “messages” and “issues” discussed were less than subtle, but not without a sense of fun. The most notable thing about the show was its star Johnny Depp, having already appeared in a few movies including A Nightmare on Elm Street and Platoon he was far from a newcomer but not yet A list.
Information about the movie on the internet is a little sketchy but it looks like it will be directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, the duo responsible for Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. The driving force behind the project is Jonah Hill, who is credited (on IMDB) as executive producer and one of the writers. Channing Tatum is down to co star and also gets a executive producer credit. Juno Temple is rumoured to be involved and Johnny Depp may have a cameo role.
One of the reasons the show worked was the casting, at 24 Johnny Depp could get away with playing a 21 year old who looked young enough to go undercover in high schools; the same goes for the rest of the cast. That’s the problem with the proposed movie, Jonah Hill (27) may just about get away with it but Channing Tatum (30) is far too old. With a plethora of actors around the correct age; Michael Cera, Robert Pattinson and Zac Efron (all under 25) all spring to mind, why look to older actors?
Will the movie be any good? Only time will tell.
To be honest unless I start hearing very good things about it I’ll probably give this one a miss.
I’d rather just go and rewatch some Veronica Mars 🙂
Strangely enough last year I had both Jump St and Veronica Mars in a list of TV shows that would made good films. Although Veronica Mars was a better show I think Jump Street would make a better movie.
I highly doubt Depp will make any kind of appearance in this, he’s always been more than vocal about not enjoying doing the show, the only positive thing I’ve ever heard him say was he can appreciate what the show was, but he still hated it.
I didn’t know that. I had heard he was desperate to get out of his contract after the first season or two when his star begun to rise but didn’t know he disliked it.
I actually just read an article that said he really wants to do it. “I’ve said I’m into it, but no one’s actually approached me. … I’m in. I’m in. I think it’d be pretty easy.”
Channing Tatum would be perfect. He does not look 30! He has that toughness about him and, actually, most of the roles he has played thus far are of high school or college age kids. Robert Pattinson would also be an excellent choice.
21 jump street is a classic tv series that i always watch. i also love the movie version.*