Plot: What’s it about?
The slightly insane men that make up the “Jackass” can be either classified as A) The dumbest people in the world, with way too much free time on their hands who behave and act like Jr. High school students. Or B) The greatest marketing geniuses in the world. Quite a difference in opinion, eh? For those already familiar with Johnny Knoxville (the unquestioned “leader” of the bunch) and his band of merry men, Jackass: The Movie is really nothing different than their now cancelled television show. However, they now don’t have to worry about being censored and make full use of their newfound freedom of profanity. Actually, it existed before, but we can hear everything they say now. And we see everything too, sometimes waaaaaay too much. So what is Jackass? Essentially it’s a large-budget version of what kids have been doing for years. Knoxville, Steve-O and the rest of the gang perform sometimes death-defying stunts for their own amusement. Or so it would seem. These range (in the movie, anyway) from walking a tightrope across a pool of hungry alligators to taking manilla envelopes and giving themselves paper cuts for no other reason than they were drinking too much or just plain got bored.
The question is why.
After watching Jackass: The Movie and both sets of their television show, they’re really not that different. Sure, the movie does have a lot more financing with Paramount behind them and the stunts are a bit bigger; but in essence if you like the show, this will suit you very nicely. And, if you’re familiar with the show, then you’ll know that there’s really not a “plot” to speak of. There’s disclaimer after disclaimer warning the audience to not attempt these stunts at home, even though kids most likely will; but some of the things they do are just downright sick. Pole-vaulting into a sewer, snorting wasabi and sticking matchbox cars where the sun don’t shine all come to mind. So if it’s mindless humor that you’re after, you’ll be right at home here. I have to admit that I laughed hard, a lot. Knowing the danger these guys were in, they play to the audience and genuinely seem to enjoy themselves; though they seem to be each other’s worst enemy. I can’t help but think, though, that if these guys keep this up (and they will) how long will it be before one of them really does die? Hopefully never, but at the pace the Jackass crew goes, you never know…
Video: How does it look?
The opening sequence is filmed, yes filmed, but is not representative of the way the rest of the movie looks. Shot in a digital video 1.78:1 ratio, the image is indeed anamorphic and looks very good if not great. Granted, there’s not a lot of “Production Value” here, just guys having a good time; but the clarity of the image is something that impressed me. While it’s like comparing apples to oranges in terms of how it looks compared with other movies, this has all that you’re looking for and more. With more of a “taped” look, there’s really nothing to talk about edge enhancement or black levels. Plain and simple, this looks great and if you’re watching it for the quality of the video, then you’re watching it for the wrong reason. Paramount has also included a full-frame version that is identical with supplements, but it’s another disc you have to buy.
Audio: How does it sound?
The track has a Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound that almost sounds too loud. Granted, most of the effects are by the soundtrack and not by what’s actually on screen, but at times I had to turn it down as it had a really fake sense to it. During some of the skits, some popular rock songs are played and they sounded good, the dialogue is also very clear. Mostly you’ll hear a lot of “Oh Dude” and laughing going on, but it sounds the best right here. No major complaints…
Supplements: What are the extras?
Paramount has released Jackass: The Movie as one of their Special Collector’s Editions. Odd to think that this falls in the same category (in terms of supplements) as Sunset Boulevard and Roman Holiday, but that’s the way of the world I suppose. Two commentary tracks are included and, admittedly, are just as funny as the movie itself. On one, Knoxville and a few other guys laugh at what’s going on screen and do add a lot of actual commentary to what is happening on screen. They seem to get a kick out of watching themselves in pain and don’t really seem to care what anyone else thinks. One of the better commentary tracks out there if you ask me. There are several deleted scenes too, I guess they didn’t “make the cut” in the theatrical version; though there’s really no reason why it shouldn’t have been in there as it’s just more of the same material we see in the film. Some outtakes are also included that show goofs, takes and other goofs that we might expect the fine men of Jackass to perform. There is a half-hour making of featurette aptly entitled “The Making of MTV’s Jackass” that does show a lot about how the stunts were made, the after effects and allows us to see the guys as they really are: themselves. Some promotional spots are also included, but funny as they are the trailer was the real treat. Some photo galleries that show different variations of the poster are included as well, though I tend to prefer the cover art myself. I suppose it’s only a matter of time before Jackass: The Movie Part II comes out and I’ll be first in line.
