Grade: B+ Scene Says: 3D enhances the classic pranks a generation associates with “Jackass”
The “Jackass” boys are back on the big screen for a third time with more outrageous gross-out jokes, pranks and stunts. The best part is that this time, it’s in 3D.
Johnny Knoxville and his crazy crew — Steve-O, Bam Margera and Jason Acuña aka “Wee-Man” to name a few — started off on “Jackass” the TV show, which aired on MTV from 2000 to 2002, and now they may have gotten together for the last time.
“Jackass 3D” takes you on a familiar adventure with a lot of new twists and turns. However, Jeff Termaine, the director of the film, manages to utilize 3D in a unique way — every hit is in your face — you see it coming and feel the pain. For example, when a bull hits Knoxville and his body flips in the air, you cringe. When Steve-O is launched in the air in a porta-potty full of feces, you want to puke. And when Bam pulls a “Rocky” by sneaking up behind a cast-mate and splashing a cup of water on one side of their face and punching them with a boxing glove on the other, you die laughing.
The film also has some very cool cameos from Spike Jonze, the Oscar-nominated director and co-creator of “Jackass,” jumping over speeding Lamborghinis. In addition, Jared Allen, the Minnesota Vikings defensive end, makes an appearance and repeatedly blindsides Knoxville to the ground throughout the film.
“Jackass” is by no means a cinematic achievement, but it definitely achieves what it sets out to do — entertain its audience. The downside of the film is that true fans can tell that the gang has lost some of their authenticity. The earlier “Jackass” films have always been about doing the dumbest crap to get a laugh, rather than to make money. “Jackass 3D” has this semi-Hollywood polish that the first two movies did not have, which could mean that “Jackass” has reached the end of the road.
Our generation grew up with Knoxville and the boys terrorizing each other, and loved every minute of it. In “Jackass 3D,” the film reveals that maybe the gang is tired of doing this to themselves. In one scene, Steve-O even states, “Why do I have to be Steve-O?” before reluctantly getting hit in the crotch by Ryan Dunn in a gag entitled “Tee Ball.”
Nonetheless, the film is a good comedy and will keep you laughing from beginning to end. There are great one-liners, pranks and fun, dangerous stunts that keep you on edge of your seat. There’s also an abundance of gross gags that will make your stomach turn and that are even more shocking because of the third dimension.
The film is not for the faint of heart. If you are a fan of the “Jackass” crew, you know what to expect. If you’re unfamiliar, watch a few episodes of the show so you know what you’re getting yourself into. The bottom line: If you want to laugh with and at Knoxville and the boys for maybe the last time, just go see it. You will enjoy yourself and likely become ready to let them go.
thescene@theeagleonline.com
