Writer/directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller have proved themselves disciples of cutting edge, absurd comedy through their five films so far. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 1 & 2, The Lego Movie and 21 & 22 Jump St have shown us that they know their history when it comes to getting laughs.

Returning for the inevitable sequel after the commercial and critical success of 21 Jump St, the guys have focused on a risque comedy that showcases the bromance between Channing Tatum & Jonah Hill.

Watching on a Friday evening in New York with a cinema full of Yanks, the laughs came thick, fast and loud. There were numerous points where the audience broke out in spontaneous applause.

Having seen The Rover immediately beforehand (and How to Train Your Dragon 2 earlier in the day), I was in need of a chuckle or two.

Thanks to Steve Coogan and Ricky Gervias ensuring that “self referencing” comedy has become par for the course, 22 Jump St makes good use of the easy joke about being a sequel, and the various roles of Tatum recently. At one point his character suggests they receive a mission to join the secret service and protect the White House.

Rather than rely on just poking fun at themselves, they make meal of every situation and milk every opportunity there is for a gag. Anything you’ve seen in a cop buddy movie is fair game.

With the action unfolding in a college environment there’s also ample frat humour.

Definitely one to watch again on DVD, particularly for the out-takes, I’d happily head to the cinema to see this again within the week.

4 Stars.