Jackass 3
Netflix Streaming
DVD | Blu-Ray
Directed by Jeff Tremaine
Starring Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O, Ryan Dunn, Wee Man, Mike Judge
Paramount Pictures
Originally Released: October 15, 2010

More than once I questioned why the hell I was viewing Jackass 3. Of course I’m familiar with the television series, though I’ve never really identified myself as being a part of the cult fan-base of the Jackass collective. Having said that though, Jackass 3 is a humorous detour from the usual suspects to be found on Netflix Streaming, with some excellent cinematography in places – though be warned: there are many numerous scenes with intent to disgust.

Beavis and Butthead (aka Mike Judge) initiate the proceedings with an introduction specifically for the 3D theatrical edition of the film. From there, we move to the opening credits and they are quite simply ridiculous, which is wonderful. The film, being devised specifically with 3D in mind, loses its depth and dimensional allure, but the cinematography is actually very colorful and beautiful and highly amusing during this sequence. The slow motion shots resume in different scenes and sketches throughout the movie, the best of which are the Rocky sequences featuring Bam Margera.

The shenanigans are amusing and, at times, mindless. While many keep with the historical Jackass feel, there are many that play like comedy sketches, in sequences that could most likely make the Monty Python boys proud. The duck hunting stunt, Bam getting his tardy payback in the snake pit, and the hotel room gorilla are all stand-outs in this third installment. There are also a few adapted and amped up pranks that were originally from the first series, including the Poop Cocktail – longtime followers will be pleased.

But along with the Poop Cocktail, there are a few settings with such disgusting intent that they cause the performers and the camera personnel to hurl their guts up. There’s sweat, shit, farts, vomit, piss, and more, so be warned – if that kind of thing is something you cannot handle then evade Jackass 3 at all costs.

Alternatively, there are also the hardcore physical stunts as well, which does make you wonder how many injuries and hospitalizations these guys have all had to deal with over the years. They may be stupid for doing this to themselves, but they are as resilient as nails fearlessly heading into these stunts with the knowledge that it’s going to hurt like hell.

With the recent passing away of Ryan Dunn, I found myself paying a bit more attention to the sequences he was in. Despite his death being the result of an incredible stupid and selfish choice, and in the hopes his fans learn from this horrible blunder, it is actually wonderful to see him happy and enjoying these moments on film. Even the rage he displays while having his beard hair ripped with the aid of superglue, afterwards he sees the humor in it all.

Which leads me to the comradeship the Jackass crew has: it really is quite remarkable. Despite the awful pranks they play on each other, they damage they expose themselves to, and so on; they still display an open affection between them. It is almost brotherly in some ways, but you can tell the rapport they have between each other is wedged deep in solidarity.

Johnny Knoxville, naturally, dominates the movie – after all, Jackass has always been his baby. Wee Man and Steve-O are there putting in some solid physical and comedic performances as well. They work together even better though when the all-inclusive Jackass crew are altogether as one group – the immature teenage-like mentality spawns the scenes to get even more ridiculous.

Like the introduction sequence, the closing sequence is some wonderful cinema work – filmed at a slower frame rate, it’s simply enjoyable to view (though it’s all clearly staged). The closing credits are also fun, jam packed with outtakes, excised scenes, and past moments from previous movies and the original television series. The soundtrack is also spectacular, with a grand selection of songs that fit the film actually quite well – helping to make it an exceptional experience.

As it always has been, Jackass is not for everyone. A lot of people will find it worthless, in bad taste, and idiotic – and that’s fair, because it isn’t for them. This kind of movie is for the folks out there that can appreciate this style of physical comedy, akin to the freak shows and circuses of eons gone by – and also the ludicrous things many of us did in our younger years. These guys just worked out a way to make a living from it.

So, Jackass 3 is fun to a degree, though it does get to be overbearing in length. I enjoy and welcome movies that challenge me in different ways, whether it be intellectually challenging, morally challenging, or visually challenging. Jackass 3 most certainly fits in to the visually challenging class, so while I appreciate that challenge, it simply goes on far too long. It probably would have been better as a mini-series rather than a full length movie.

Principally, Jackass worked well in its original format as a television series, but not so much in long form video style. Consider being able to get through the entire goofiness, then you may want to see this one. Additionally, if you can handle the nauseating scenes, it’s worth watching for the humor, but also for the excellent cinematography in specific sequences including the slow-mo.

To come to the point, if you liked Jackass, you will love this movie. If you don’t, it just ain’t for you.

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5