Plot: What’s it about?
About a decade ago, MTV (back when they were still actually playing music videos) had a show called “Jackass.” In it, a group of near-do-well twenty something’s played practical jokes on one another and seemed to have a grand old time doing so. The show became a cult hit and a few years later “Jackass: The Movie” was born. As we might expect from a television show making the leap from the small screen to the large – the stunts were bigger, as was the budget. “Jackass: The Movie” was a success and, sure enough, there was a sequel a few years later. And then…nothing. The Jackass group ranges of about 8 or so “characters” if you can call them that, though if there’s a leader amongst them it’d have to be Johnny Knoxville. If that name rings a bell, you might know him from such films as “The Ringer”, “The Dukes of Hazzard” and “Men in Black II.” Knoxville is one of a few that became a breakout star, another one being Steve-O who was a cast member of “Dancing with the Stars” a few years back.
“Jackass 3” is essentially very easy to review in regards to plot as it really has none. This is consistent with both the television show and the previous two movies as well. If you’ve never seen the movies or the show, let me lay it out for you. You’ve got a group of guys, most of which are now in their thirties. They play pranks on one another or do a pre-determined stunt. This can range from coating their hands with super glue and sticking it to others’ hairy chests or being whacked in the face with a giant novelty hand. Truthfully, their friendship knows no bounds and everyone is always subject to an occasional punch in the face or the like. “Jackass 3” as I’ve already mentioned is just more of the same. If anything was a bit different this time around, I’d say that the skits are a bit longer, but that might have just been me. The stunts range from the jaw clinching (running through a hallway with police tazers dangling in front of them) to the downright disgusting (a super slow motion shot of someone using the restroom…upside down). “Jackass” has always polarized audiences and this latest installment is no exception.
It’s been four years since the second “Jackass” movie and I guess the guys were ready to get rolling again. Now the surprising part…the movie grossed over $100 million at the box office with a mere budget of $20 million. Movie studios like that. It’s quite clear that with the band of usual suspects back in the mix that the “Jackass” franchise hasn’t lost any of its allure. Like “Fast and Furious” it just seems to keep going and going. I’d not be the least bit surprised to see another installment before too long and why not? When you think about it, all the movie really contains is a bunch of guys being, well, jackasses. If you’re a fan of the previous movies and television show, then there’s no reason why this latest installment won’t keep you rolling with laughter (or closing your eyes waiting for the scene to be over). If you’re not a fan then I assure you that the cast of “Jackass” won’t lose any sleep over it – they could care less.
Video: How does it look?
Just like the other two “Jackass” films, this one is presented in a 1.78:1 AVC HD transfer that’s just a little too crisp and clean. Yes, it’s great to see the gang looking good in HD, but let’s just say some scenes are just a little too graphic and maybe a little blur here and there wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing. There is a 3D version included in the Blu-ray set, though it’s a “classic” 3D version with the red and blue glasses. Anyone expecting a full on Blu-ray 3D version will be left out in the cold. Colors are bold and strong, especially in the filmed opening sequence. There are several super slow motion segments and let’s just say that the HD image looks as good as we might expect, though it’s a bit disturbing seeing fat ripple in slow motion. However you feel about the gang, let’s just say that they’ve never looked better than they do here.
Audio: How does it sound?
Audio is about the least important thing in the “Jackass” movies and aside from the ever-so-familiar guitar rift (duh-da-duhhhhhhhh), the rest of the movie is dialogue-driven. I will say that the surrounds do come into play, especially in the “bee tetherball” sequence in which the guys decide to play tetherball with a hive of African bees as the ball. The buzzing resonates through the rear channels and really gives you the sense that you’re right there. There are a few other instances of some good surround sound, but the front stage handles the soundtrack with ease.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This Blu-ray set does contain some extras, but when it comes to these movies there’s really not a whole lot left to say. There’s “The Making of ‘Jackass 3′” as we get some behind the scenes footage and some deleted scenes and outtakes, both of which should have just been edited back into the movie. The trailer is also included and, as mentioned, there’s a second disc with a 3D version of the film (watch the Blu-ray instead).
