Jackass 3D Nears Putrid Perfection
MTV has a knack for releasing films that do not necessarily follow any one given path. For instance, take their most successful film franchise; Jackass. Johnny Knoxville and the boys have returned for a third and likely final go-around, but this time in 3D. Aptly titled, Jackass 3D, Knoxville, Pontius, Weeman, Steve-O and the rest of the gang have put together what is arguably the best of the three films, certainly outdoing the choppy humor of the second film in which lulls were abundant.
Need a refresher on the Jackass concept? There is no story. There is no acting. Take nine crazy (literally) guys from both ends of the body size spectrum and everywhere in between. Now make them run the gauntlet through any variety of dangerous or disgusting stunts. If you’ve been living under a rock for the last decade or so, let me be the pop culture godsend to clue to you in on what some of these guys do.
In the TV show, Steve-O once put a fish hook through his cheek (yes, on purpose) with the line attached and jumped into the ocean amidst a handful of curious sharks. Johnny Knoxville has unsuccessfully run from an angry bull. Bam Margera catapulted his friend into a closed garage door and Chris Pontius likes to do just about anything that involves having his pants off. These guys are going to have some serious arthritis issues by the time they start hitting their early 40’s. In a movie, you can get away with so much more, so take the above and multiply it ten-fold.
Whatever you thought you’ve seen so far that could take it to the limit, take that and toss it in the trash can. The jet ski through a hedge that you saw in the trailer for Jackass 3D was child’s play compared to the rest of the outrageously puke-inducing or bone-cracking antics that they commit on screen. At one point during the film, I looked to my left to find my dad gasping for air between laughs with uncontrollable tears about to pour forth. I, for one, found myself walking out at the film’s conclusion with my head throbbing from the incessant laughter I was guilty of.
As for the 3D aspect, it’s really wasted here. There were only two, maybe three scenes that made any entertaining use of the technology. The increase in the ticket price because it’s 3D was certainly not warranted. Moviegoers wouldn’t enjoy this film any less had it been released in regular 2D. I’m not a huge 3D fan, but hopefully more movies don’t hit the big screen building up their 3D gimmick while not truly delivering on it.
The final piece to the trilogy provided for an arsenal of laughs as well as repeated tests to your ability to hold back gagging. It’s safe to say Knoxville and company have made Jackass 3D their last effort at beating themselves up. If you appreciated the show or either of the previous films, then this movie is a must-see for you. The only downside beside the ticket price was the fact that this type of film is kind of a one-and-done thing. Once you’ve seen it, you know what to expect the next time and the shock value and surprise factor are gone. Even so, that’s no deterrent to see it just once! Jackass 3D easily rams its way to 3.5 out of 5 stars.
I will probably just blind buy this on Blu-ray when it comes out.
The important thing to note here: The guys made this film SOBER. No alcohol or drugs were on set, because Steve-O went to rehab and has maintained his sobriety.
I agree with your rating, but I disagree about two things.
1. I honestly laughed at Jackass Number 2 the most out of these three films, however one pretty fantastic stunt involving a Lamborghini had me both incredibly worried, excited, and laughing all at the same time.
2. The use of 3D is why you see this film in theaters. They literally used state-of-the art technology by modifying the phantom camera, which shoots 1000 frames per second, and then made it adaptable for 3D use. Basically, think of the opening for Zombieland, but in 3D. You see things in 3D in this film that you would never want to see in 3D, and I mean that in a very good way. Whether it be feces or “the helicockter,” the guys pulled this off.
I’m not a huge supporter of 3D, but I know when it’s done well.
Part 1 is still the best. I’ll rent this.
How can I accepted your statement as valid Gerard when you did not see this one?
Aaron, I’m not understanding your point on the 3D thing. Are you arguing for or against it? It wasn’t well done at all in this movie. Yes, the beginning of the film made good use of it followed by the flying such-n-such somewhere in the middle of the film and then the end sequence. Other than that there was not a lot of useful 3D photography here. Sure if you take your 3D glasses off, the screen is nothing but a blur, but the fact remains that the technology didn’t provide a lot of depth or stuff coming at you. Isn’t that the point of 3D?
@Brian – Since I’ve only seen 1 & 2, I say 1 is the best out of the two. I’ll make my final decision when I see this on blu-ray.
@Gregg, To be clearer: I’m disagreeing with you. I think the 3D was effective in this film. Yes the key uses occured at the beginning and end, and during any use of slo mo for maximum effect, but even during the “regular” segments, I admit that conversion is once again not a great thing, but with them knowing that they would be going 3D, I admired the creativity they had with trying to defy the bounds of the format – poo cocktail supreme.
Wait, this was a conversion? I guess I wasn’t keeping tabs on the making of the film, because I thought this was shot in 3-D. Unless I’m reading it wrong.
There were only specific points in the movie where it is actually filmed with 3D cameras, with the rest being converted at a later time. Although,they filmed the movie with 3D in mind.