It’s hard to believe that the Jackass gang have been getting smacked in the balls, blowing stuff up and screwing with random bystanders for 20 years. First starting off as a TV show for about three seasons, the Jackass franchise found strength in succeeding with multiple movies, various spin-offs and even a video game. Suffice to say, the Jackass audience is very prevalent even if the franchise took a bit of a hiatus. Obviously, with Jackass there’s going to be a level of controversy, particularly the dangerous stunts that are being performed and how absolutely none of them should be replicated by anyone. It’s begs the question ‘what’s the purpose of doing this if all they do is experience excruciating pain?’ and it’s simply another way to pioneer another version of slapstick comedy but going more extreme that leaves you stitches and pain at the same time. It’s the kind of pain that no one should ever experience, however you can’t help but laugh your ass off when you see a group of guys doing it. It leaves you in this predicament on not attempting any of these stunts or pranks but paying money to see someone else do it for you.
It’s been almost 10 years since we ever got a Jackass movie, the previous being Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa. Development for another Jackass movie has been int the works for good number years , especially before the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the hurdles that the guys at Jackass had to endure is that they have gotten older and it was a concern if these guys should handle more discomfort. Coupled that with the loss of Ryan Dunn and more drama happening behind the scenes, Johnny Knoxville was still pushing for another Jackass film. Having multiple release dates because of the pandemic, Jackass Forever finally his theaters in the first weekend of Febuary and it might be the best one that these guys have ever put out. Jackass Forever is exactly the kind of movie this world needs, especially to kick off the new year. Pure unadulterated laughter, both painful and intense. This is the type of movie that’s to be experienced with a group of buddies and having a good time. From each stunt, to each scene of someone getting pummeled in the nuts, Jackass Forever is exactly what the title promises.
From the opening sequence, everything about it tells you exactly the type of movie you’re in for. The Jackass movies have always had there fair share of self awareness of stupidity and extremely silliness and one of the best things about Jackass Forever is still captures the old school vibe from the original movies but it still gives it a modern uplift with the refreshing cameos and even the new members joining the Jackass team. All of the new members fit in perfectly, almost like they’ve been with this group since day one. But what’s even more special about Jackass Forever is seeing the original members come back together for one last go. Seeing Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Chris Pontius and even Ehren McGhehey on screen together for one more time felt nostalgic by seeing them do the old school stunts and pranks and even brand new ones that capture the essence of a Jackass movie.
It’s always impossible to choose which Jackass stunt or prank is the all time best because there’s millions of choices and there’s really no incorrect answer. If we were to view the older films, the ones that come to mind are the one where they kept blowing the air horn at the golfers, the high five prank or ant stunt that involves one of them getting hit in a man’s sensitive area. All of the pranks and stunts performed in Jackass Forever are some of the most hilarious and savage stunts that these guys have ever pulled off. Whether its the Silence of the Lambs stunt, The Quiet Game or the famous Bear Stunt that’s been heavily marketed, this is the kind of stuff that takes some serious dedication and balls and while a lot of makes you cringe and quench up, you can’t help but laugh your ass off.
Is Jackass Forever cinema? Well, someone like a Marty Scorsese might think differently. But there’s something about Jackass Forever, that with the right group of people and the type of audience you watch it with, it can be an Avengers: Endgame type of experience we’re it can collectively get everyone in the audience laughing, gasping and clapping from excitement. Not to say this movie has depth or any kind of complexity to it because a Jackass movie is not that kind of movie. But from a comedy perspective, Jackass Forever absolutely nails it and if this is the last time we see these guys interact, they could not have done it any better than this.
My grade for Jackass Forever: B+
Zane's take at the Cinema's 