For nearly a decade, the term “jackass” has been synonymous with the pop-culture phenomenon that depicts a band of reckless individuals who have disregarded the boundaries of physical and mental health for the sake of humor. In the process, they have provided viewers everywhere with hours of gut-wrenching laughter (along with the not uncommon squirm of disgust).
Having turned the comedy world upside down with their brand of idiotic, low-brow, yet entirely entertaining comedic style, the show has become immortalized as part of this generation’s identity and sense of humor.
After three seasons, various spin-offs and two and a half films, the continued popularity of the show has culminated in the newly released “Jackass 3D,” the third installment to the franchise. The entire crew is back for the film, including renowned members Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera and Steve-O. New to the film however is the inclusion of 3-D technology which gives the audience an in-depth and grossly authentic feel to the hilarity that ensues within the film.
In classic “Jackass” structure, the film is a 90-minute collection of clips ranging from practical jokes, dangerous stunts, disgusting acts and potentially-offensive displays to the tune of the unmistakable chuckle/cackle/giggle combination of Knoxville and company. For the tried and true fan, the film is everything you’d expect when these pranksters come together. Throughout the film, the crew, to our amusement, suffer from each other’s constant bombardment of crotch kicks, boxing glove punches and practical jokes involving bodily fluids.
For the strong of stomach, repulsive and downright disgusting acts of stupidity are a guarantee, though I would encourage all who are to experience the movie to pass on the popcorn (or any food for that matter). The daredevils endure an obscene amount of pain throughout the film by man and machine alike to ensure laughter for moviegoers across America. It is evident in this third installment, like the ones before it, that the crew put blood, sweat and tears (literally) into the production to provide its authentic brand of comedy.
The film, though enjoyable, falls short of the trademark “Jackass” standard. Although laughs are guaranteed, the film is a step behind the previous films and shows, which seemed to have had more energy and flare in their execution of these stunts. Perhaps age (and maturity) has finally reached the crew, along with a long career of pain and harm to the body, resulting in what felt like an almost “burnt out” feel to the movie.
In their desires to go beyond previous stunts, the film seems to push its crew to the limit, who seem as though they are simply lacking the capabilities they had at the pinnacle of their popularity. Though the 3-D technology adds a compelling new perspective to the films, nostalgia ultimately seems to carry the crew through the final hurdle. In remembrance of this past decade for “Jackass,” a heartfelt tribute in the closing credits to the cast and crew throws its fans back into the beginning and glory days of the show.
Though the film is a dignified, worthy and enjoyable addition to the franchise, “Jackass 3D” lacks the youthful “spunk” that gave the franchise its trademark style of humor.
Geovanny Bonilla is a senior political science and philosophy double major from Carrollton.