In a word – gross. So many things come to mind after watching this cinematic stunner from Johnny Knoxville and his band of merry men. The one thing that sticks out above the rest is – gross. Not only is this movie disgusting, rancid, putrid, and repugnant, it’s estimated $22.7 million box office sales led the way in its opening weekend. Add that to the fact that jackass the movie was shot on a budget of only $5 million, the profit that Paramount Studios and MTV Films will take in before the end of the film’s run is again – gross.
This 90-minute extension of MTV’s cult hit jackass breaks all of the boundaries that originally held them somewhat under control for TV. The movie, like the TV show, has no plot or script. Filming took these pranksters around the globe to locations including Los Angeles, Paris, Tokyo, and Mexico. Loyal fans will recognize all ten original cast members including several celebrity cameos from extreme sports stars Tony Hawk and Matt Hoffman to Rip Taylor and Butterbean.
The marketing for this film is reminiscent of that scene in Spaceballs. You know the one – Yogurt is pandering various Spaceballs items with the logo plastered all over everything. At the screening I attended, there were jackass the movie posters, jackass the movie toilet paper, and even jackass the movie barf bags. The posters were nice, the T.P. should have been used in the film, and the unfortunate truth is some people needed the barf bags during the film. This movie is not intended for the weak of stomach by any stretch of the imagination. Several bits are worth watching for their sheer shock value. If you can stand it to not turn away from the screen you won’t believe your eyes! There is mix of comedy and disgust, while anything of value or intellectual acumen was destined for the cutting room floor.
The movie does open with its required disclaimer – blah blah blah don’t try this at home. The movie’s lack of plot certainly keeps the viewer guessing as the stunts and pranks flail about wildly in all different directions like a metaphorical fish out of water. One of the funniest scenes is at the very, very end – after the credits roll. jackass the movie will keep your attention the same as a slow drive past a brutal six car accident replete with blood and vomit. If that is your idea of entertainment, I encourage you to run to the theatre and don’t forget your barf bag at the door.
