Hatchet reporter Lucy Westcott shares her latest flicks.
Jackass 3D (2010)
I don’t think anybody, least of all the Jackasses themselves, thought that ten years after the debut of “Jackass” on MTV and a few reality television shows, lawsuits, and visits to rehab later, a third film in the franchise would be released to commemorate their 10th anniversary. But in all its disgusting three-dimensional glory, “Jackass 3D” is now playing at cinemas across the country.
Whether you love Johnny Knoxville, Bam, and Steve-O, or hate everything they stand for, you cannot deny that their success has come from an unflinching formula, rooted in the slapstick comedy of Buster Keaton. Something inherent in us likes to watch what happens when people hurt themselves. We like to sit in anticipation while Knoxville squirms around in the bullring, and we squirm in our seats, waiting for the beast to be released and go straight for him. Apart from looking physically older, with gray hair and some stomach paunch, nothing has really changed from the original television series, which ran from 2000 to 2002. Not that “Jackass” fans would want it to.
There are the grotesque gags involving all sorts of bodily fluids, and extreme sports attempts, attaching too-big wheels to too-small vehicles and waiting with baited breath for the results. Typically, more strange special guests appear and Bam’s parents are scared beyond their wildest dreams (although by this point, you have to wonder whether they are just acting). It did seem clear, though, that this was the last chance for “Jackass” before they really grow up, and they nailed it. A montage at the end of the film of each of the cast members as children, growing up, and many now with children, also solidifies “Jackass” as a fantastically weird family. It’s sad now that it’s over, but at least they’ve left a lot of great memories. (R, 1:34)
Genre: Comedy, Bloopers & Candid Camera, Extreme Sports
Director: Jeff Tremaine
Starring: Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Ryan Dunn, Steve-O, Jason “Wee Man” Acuna
Released: Oct. 15, 2010