Jackass 3-D Review

There’s something oddly comforting about seeing the Jackass gang back on the big screen in ‘Jackass 3D’. It’s also a huge shock to think it was 10 years ago that Jackass first aired on MTV, responsible for lowering television standards almost single-handedly. Say what you will about Jackass, not only was it  MTV’s most successful program, but it was undeniably compulsive and groundbreaking viewing.

Jackass came to an end after three seasons in 2002 due to increased controversy surrounding the shows imitable stunts.  It wasn’t long before the idea of a film became a reality the following year.  Beginning in 2003 with ‘Jackass The Movie’, the simple formula of the show was expanded with bigger, more outrageous stunts, doubled with the freedom of a well-earned 18 certificate. ‘Jackass Number Two’ followed in 2005, with more wince worthy mayhem, somehow gaining positive critical acclaim from even well-respected publications and critics.

While undeniably puerile and tasteless (Take no further look than 3D’s ‘Poo Volcano’ skit) Jackass can’t simply be dismissed as depraved gross-out, at least not entirely. There’s always been a vein of  surrealism and originality which has run through the shows and films. There’s certainly some talent involved in the group, take producer and co-creator Spike Jonze, critically acclaimed director of films such as ‘Being John Malcovich’ and ‘Where The Wild Things Are’. Due to the eclectic mix of participants, skits often hit more than miss, while even the throw away skits are at least well constructed.

Unfortunately, the hit to miss ratio is more dubious in this third entry, with many stunts failing to raise more than a guilty chuckle. Also, what was unbelievably shocking on MTV in 2000, has lost much of its shock value, demoted to merely being gross. Perhaps a personal gripe is the large number of skits surrounding animals in this entry. Why anyone thought it was worth seeing Knoxville take on herds of angry bulls and buffalo for the umpteenth time is anyone’s guess. The film has a distinct lack of any stunts to rival the highlights of previous films. As for the 3D, besides the chaotically camp opening and the explosive climax, there’s very little here to warrant the use of the technology.

Then again, while it’s the weakest of the three films, ‘Jackass 3-D’ has a handful of inspired moments for fans to enjoy. Highlights include the group’s use of a powerful jet engine, a trip down electric avenue and the high-five. There’s still plenty of moments in which you’ll find yourself legitimately impressed by some of the stunts too, such as Ryan Dunn’s leap over a lake on a laughably shabby mini-bike. It’s also still as much about the relationships between the guys as it is the stunts, and in ‘Jackass 3-D‘, the film has an aura of being a joyous reunion between friends as well as hopefully, a final bow from the aging group.

With this third entry being such a huge hit for Paramount, it’s likely that we’ll see Jackass IV. If so, age isn’t the problem. It’s more a matter of the gang needing to bring back some more of  the inventiveness and charm from the early years. Fair play to the Jackass gang though, as long as they’re still joyously happy to throw themselves into intense physical pain or a shower of shit, I’ll be watching.

3/5