Jackass 3

In 2000, television was revolutionised by the birth of violent prank show Jackass. These seemingly indestructible group of friends (Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O, Preston Lacy, Ryan Dunn, Dave England)  attempted dangerous and crude feats that the average, sane person could not even comprehend, such as the “Beehive Limo”, “Self Defence” which involves one of the cast using a 120,000 volt stun gun on himself and the infamous “Puke Omelette”. 2 seasons and 2.5 movies later, the boys offer fans another hour and a half of cringe worthy, gag inducing antics.

There never was a plot in the series, and obviously that continues here; it’s 90 minutes of unrelated pranks. There are a few skits that run throughout the movie, (urinate over unsuspecting crew members, anyone?) but the format is exactly as fans of the show will remember. It seems they’ve stepped it up a notch too in terms of vulgarity, but at the same time the stunts seem a lot more orchestrated and lack the impulsive nature that the original series had. There’s an even balance between the physical and “gross-out” scenes, with the majority being successful in either making you feel sick or laughing at their pain.

It’s difficult to write any more about the merits in relation to traditional cinema, because this is far from it. As I said earlier, it’s an extended television episode, and if you’re a fan you’ll know what to expect and love it. If not, then I assume you don’t intend to see it in the first place. The number of people who sit on the fence about Jackass is small; you either like seeing others crying out in pain or you don’t. And given I saw this on DVD rather than in the cinema, I cannot comment on the 3D aspect of it. I have it on good authority though that the opening and closing scenes are the only ones that really are noticeable, but they do look fantastic.
What’s baffling though is the inclusion of Beavis & Butthead at the beginning of the DVD, explaining that the film is 3D and the glasses are necessary. Whilst it’s great to see the duo back, it wasn’t needed here as there is no 3D or glasses.

I realise this review is shorter than usual, but there really isn’t much more to say than if you’re a fan of the show this is a must see. It offers up what you’d expect: nudity, vomit, pain and excrement.

And who could possibly say no to that?