Jackass 3D

If you're reading this then you're probably somebody who's seen Jackass before. You know what it's about. You know what you're in for. Because let's face it, you know if you're the type of person who wants to see feces exploding from a dude's rear end like a volcano. Pretty specific crowd. Hard to believe it's been more than a decade since fearless leader Johnny Knoxville and the rest of the gang first punched themselves in the groin for our viewing pleasure. The gang is older, more aware of the pain they're about to experience, and in this case seemingly less willing to stand for it. Jackass 3 feels like the final chapter in a hilarious gross out gag, and if it is then there's really only one way to go out: with a bang....and a fart.

The Jackass movies might have the best credit sequences in comedy history, and this one might be the best. An explosive, vibrant cacaphony of destruction that introduces us to the all the faces we've come to recognize over the years: Steve-O, Bam, Wee Man and the rest. It's also a shattering intro to their use of 3D. Off the top it doesn't seem like Jackass would be the venue for the added dimension, but you'd be so wrong. Rarely has it been used to this amazing an effect. You might be disgusted at the things that come flying at your face: vomit, turds, urine...men's genitalia. Amazing to think that the two best uses of 3D this year have come from Resident Evil and Jackass, but both flicks were able to find fun ways to make the most of it. Every punch and crushing impact ripples in slow motion. You absolutely MUST see Jackass in 3D. There's no other way.

With so many films, TV specials, and so forth it goes without saying that the gags have gotten to be a little repetitive. We've seen most of this stuff before.  Knoxville getting steamrolled by bulls; Steve-O covered in dog crap(although being slingshotted into the area via Port-o-potty is an added bonus); Bam's fear of snakes; and the camera guy who just can't keep himself from vomiting. Most of these guys are approaching 40 years old, and the wear and tear has clearly taken it's toll. They all appear a bit more apprehensive than they used to be as youngsters when they routinely spit in the face of possible death. On a sadistic level, their fear makes the gags even funnier(Steve-O is hilarious with his "woe is me" attitude), and certainly those involved don't seem too concerned that their friends are putting their lives at stake. So why should we?

Perhaps more than the previous two movies, Jackass 3 is more of a celebration of the years these guys have spent together doing bodily harm. The comraderie they've earned through pain and embarassment is what keeps Jackass fresh. Would I pay to see anybody other than the massive Preston Lacy take a field goal kick to the face? Probably not. Jackass actually is at it's best when it plays off the guys' ease and casualness around eachother, usually taking form in cruel college pranks(like Bam sneaking up and punching people in the face). Jackass now holds the honor of being the first flick to ever make me gag and taste vomit in my mouth. It doesn't involve poo. Or blood. Let's just say it involved Preston Lacy, a treadmill, a glass, and lots of sweat. Oh my God I just gagged again writing this....

In all truth, I wasn't a fan of Jackass back when it was on TV every week. I thought it was the dumbest, most idiotic band of social retards ever put assembled. I wasn't wrong. The fact remains that these guys might be morons, but they're the funniest, most ballsy morons ever. Jackass 3D might not be the best of the bunch, but you will still nearly piss yourself laughing so hard. I think that's an honor the Jackass gang would be happy to accept.