Post by StevePulaski on Oct 16, 2010 14:09:27 GMT -5
The first still image of Jackass 3D released in late July 2010.
Rating: ★★★½
I believe I enjoyed the classic, MTV series' made movie Jackass 3D a bit too much if that's possible. This is the third installment in the Jackass franchise, and while not the best, it has certain stunts that really put a smile on your face and ones that make the film itself memorable in it's own special way. It's been eight years since the first film went to theaters and ten since the series got it's start on MTV. Jackass 3D celebrates the occasion by having all the same characters back and doing the crazy, no limit stunts they're famous for.
Who needs plot? Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Ryan Dunn, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Jason "Wee-Man" Acuña, Preston Lacy, Dave England, and Eheren McGhehey perform hurtful, injury filled, and pointless stunts for our enjoyment. I know how much people have looked forward to this film and I won't ruin any stunts, or say which ones I favor. But I will say, this one is male nudity filled and laugh infested.
I will say the opening sequence to this film was probably the weakest yet in Jackass films. The first movie, they ride down a bridge in a giant shopping cart; I call that my favorite opening. In Number Two, they are being chased by bulls on a suburban street; pretty funny and amusing. A worthy opening. This one I won't spoil, but nothing special happens. Some of the people I've talked to enjoyed it, but I didn't really. It had it's perks and different levels of amusement, but overall, it's just average. Though the fun filled ending scene makes up for the bland intro.
It seems too they gave characters who didn't have a name more stunts to perform. I swear I've seen Preston, Dave, and Eheren more than I have ever seen in a Jackass film or TV show. They were there once in a while, but they do various stunts in the film; most notably Eheren who's name is now "Danger Eheren". We also see Dreamseller author Brandon Novak get hit a few times which I enjoyed. Him and Joe Frantz are both underrated and I think seeing Novak in the film will get him some support.
I will say that the gang may be forty, but they perform stunts like they're in High School. No matter which way you look at it, when Jackass came on it was an iconic series, nothing like that had really been done before. Guys doing stunts and getting injured for audience amusement? "Gnarley dude!" Johnny Knoxville and Steve-O have stood out to me has Jackass' best. Though the whole cast never ceases to impress, they've stood out has the true jackasses. Once I head Johnny Knoxville say "Hi. I'm Johnny Knoxville an' welcome to Jackass!" I knew oh yeah, I was back.
The last thing I want to touch on is the 3D and keep in mind the star rating isn't effected by the 3D's performance. The 3D is nice for a few scenes, but overall, if rated, it would get a two and a half. It's nice in some scenes, but it's not as in depth as it should be. I know it's live action, so it's without a doubt harder to do than most animation, but Avatar's three dimensional performance was great even in live action, while not being a mind blowing film. The most awkward thing about 3D is when it comes to Dvd or TV in 2D, it'll look odd having many things bouncing out at the screen since it was clearly shot for 3D purposes. All movies have an odd 2D transfer if shrunk down to 3D.
Jackass 3D may not have surpassed the classic series, but it did impress a bit more than the second film did in that matter. The film has memorable stunts and little quirky things that make the film special in it's own way. To reflect on Roger Ebert's Jackass: The Movie review it's like we are watching a series of outtakes, not a real movie. Jackass 3D is 94 minutes but it goes by ridiculously fast even in RealD 3D. Nothing left to say, but "stupid is as stupid does".
Starring: Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Ryan Dunn, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Jason "Wee-Man" Acuña, Preston Lacy, Dave England, Eheren McGhehey, Spike Jonze, Jeff Tremaine, and Brandon Novak. Directed by: Jeff Tremaine.
UPDATE: On June 20, 2011 Jackass star Ryan Dunn was reportedly killed in a car accident in Pennsylvania. My condolences go out to his family, friends, and everyone who ever knew him. Truly an unexpected and saddening event.