Review of Jackass 3D

"Jackass" isn't a movie that you can review by conventional standards. Heck, it even isn't a movie in the strictest sense of the word; rather, it's a feature-length version of the stunt and prank show that debuted originally on MTV and has since found its way onto the big screen. Three times I might add, with director Jeff Tremaine and the rest of the Jackass cast proclaiming with each movie that it would be their last. Tough luck they will have retiring- if you haven't already heard, the movie smashed the fall opening weekend record when it debuted in the United States. Clearly their steadily growing fanbase keeps clamouring for more. If you, like this reviewer, haven't actually watched any of the Jackass-es at work (or play, really) before this movie, then it's better you take this example as a litmus test of just how much you'd enjoy "Jackass 3D". In one of the stunts proudly named the "Poo Cocktail Supreme", Jackass regular Steve-O is strapped in a sitting position inside one of those mobile toilets filled with excrement. The Porta-Potty is in fact bungee-corded between two cranes and on the mark, is set flying upwards where it subsequently bounces up and down. I'd rather not describe what happens inside the cubicle- suffice to say that it is as hideous as you would imagine, perhaps even much more so. How much you are willing to stomach such scatological humour and revolting gags really determines how much you are going to enjoy this. There isn't a plot, there isn't a purpose, there isn't any continuity. Basically, this is no more (and no less) than a countless string of stunts, pranks and skits featuring leader Johnny Knoxville (who introduces himself at the beginning of each segment) and his band of merry idiots. You're better off looking for some maturity amongst a herd of cows than amongst this group of overgrown mischievous buffoons. Not to say that there's nothing to admire about their buffoonery. One can't help but be impressed by their willingness to sacrifice for their art, even if the art is clearly made for the lowest denominator. Who would readily put themselves in front of an oncoming ram or a few buffalo? Who would readily place his genitalia in harm's way by tying it to a flying toy helicopter (the stunt is called Helicockter, I kid you not)? And who would dare drink another's sweat collected in a cup while exercising on the treadmill wearing plastic wrap? You're not likely to find people as ready or game as Knoxville, Margera, Ryan Dunn, Steve-O, Wee Man, Preston Lacy, Chris Pontius, Danger Ehren and Dave England. You're also not likely to find the same kind of camaraderie elsewhere. Whenever one of their stunts goes awry, or one of them bends over in agony, the rest standing around will almost immediately huddle around him, offering words of encouragement the way frat-boys would. None of them would be here without the other- indeed, there wouldn't be a Jackass without the fun and derring-do of each one of them- and it's heartening to see the Jackass team displaying a keen sense of friendship and solidarity. As with any circus act, not all the parts are equally interesting- e.g. the one where Margera's parents get ambushed by a guy dressed up in a gorilla suit when they check into a hotel room, or the rather repetitive Evil Knievel-type stunts on jet skis and mini bikes. But there is really more than enough to keep appreciative audiences thoroughly entertained, e.g. the Lamborghini Tooth Pull, the Beehive Tetherball and the Tee Ball, each one of which are self-explanatory by their titles. And what of the extra dimension? Well let's just say that in the same way that "Avatar" was made for 3D, the same way that dance movies were made for 3D, and the same way that horror movies were made for 3D, "Jackass" is one type of entertainment that was made for 3D. Indeed, when a prosthetic sex toy flies in slo-mo through several different iconic landmarks and finally shatters a glass of milk, the joy of seeing it in the additional dimension is enough to convince you that "Jackass" was meant for 3D.