5 Ways 21 Jump St is Better Than Star Trek 09

It may not seem that the movies 21 Jump Street (2012, dir. Phill Lord and Christopher Miller) and Star Trek (2009, dir. JJ Abrams) have much in common at first glance. But upon closer inspection, both are remakes/reboots based on a television series popular in its time period. 

When choosing which is the best among them, however, the answer is fairly obvious: it's 21 Jump Street, and here’s why.

5

It does not lean into supreme fan service

Star Trek, much like Star Wars, is known for certain degrees of fan service. The movie (directed by Force Awakens and Rise of Skywalker director JJ Abrams), while it does have some good performances and character moments, is built upon an understanding of Star Trek’s history and who the characters are. The same cannot be said of 21 Jump St; it requires no prior knowledge of the 80s television series and can be watched independently of insider knowledge (although that Johnny Depp cameo can be hit or miss for some...).

4

It actually updates elements for modern times

Star Trek may take place in the future, but it's based on a 1960s understanding of what the future could be. 21 Jump Street, however, updates everything from the humor to the understanding of high school cliques for modern, more savvy viewers. 

3

It creates completely original characters

As it is a part of an admittedly longer franchise, Star Trek is of course beholden to its characters created in the 60s. These characters are well-defined but a little predictable when you know who the characters are. 21 Jump Street does have a cameo from an older character (Johnny Depp, ugh) but for the most part it focuses on Jenko and Schmidt (the almost always great Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill, who stand among the best buddies in the buddy cop movie genre). 

2

The action (and comedy) is better

The action and comedy has for the most part aged like fine wine. Obviously there are many clever dialogue gags, but also visual gags. Specifically, the explosion gag with chickens in the middle of the film. Watch it again, it's great. Even when Star Trek is exciting, however, nothing comes close to 21. 

1

Prior viewing of the TV show does not matter as much

While I wouldn’t say watching original Star Trek shows or movies is required viewing, it certainly does add to the impact of some scenes. This is especially true of Leonard Nimoy’s appearance, which gives extra impact if you’re familiar with Spock from the Original Series. While 21 Jump St does have a cameo from the original Jump Street show, it's not a significant part of the plot to the level it is in Star Trek. As far as how 21 Jump Street bests Star Trek 09 as a series continuation/reboot, it's pretty cut and dry; Jump Street reigns supreme.