The American Heritage Dictionary defines a “jackass” as “a foolish or stupid person; a blockhead.” The people at American Heritage have are going to have to make a change, because Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O, Wee Man and the rest of the gang are pushing the definition to new heights.
Just when you thought the boundaries of stupidity could go no further, Johnny Knoxville and friends prove that there will always be a job for those who are willing to put themselves in mortal peril for the entertainment of others.
What are the prerequisites for such a job? Insanity, recklessness, and a total disregard for bodily injury rank high on the list.
Based on the hit MTV series, “Jackass 2” was recently released in theaters. Rather than featuring a traditional storyline, the movie is literally acts of insanity caught on tape.
The result is a comedic documentary of modern day stunts that seeks to both please and awe audiences with the sheer level of risk each actor takes in the film.
Easily the most certifiable one of the group is Johnny Knoxville himself. He takes on raging bulls at multiple times within the movie, and easily has most of the more dangerous stunts.
He is usually the one who is encouraging the others to participate in the stunts that are approached with some reluctance. It makes you wonder how it is that none of these men have died yet.
I doubt that they think much about the many scars they sustain while filming; they most likely wear each injury like a badge of honor. The amazing part is that they always seem to get up afterwards. Can nothing stop these madmen?
Who can blame them? Though incredibly stupid, even to the point of making you question your own sanity having entered the theater, they are extremely entertaining.
With each blow to the crotch and every bone crushing crash you can’t help but watch. Who can resist watching a man being launched 60 feet in the air while holding onto a rocket, or a fire hose rodeo?
This point is further validated when considering that celebrities such as Tony Hawk, 36 Mafia, and Owen Wilson all show up in the film.
The largest deterrent of the film is that it not only contains humorous and life- threatening stunts, but it also displays some of the most disgusting things anyone has ever seen. Just some of these acts include hoarse semen, pubic hair, human feces and a beer bong inserted rectally.
This coupled by the amount of male near nudity is enough to turn any stomach. At one point even a camera man can’t help but vomit.
Part of the appeal of watching the antics of these crazy men is that they are not just a bunch of idiots making us laugh, but they have a camaraderie that anyone can appreciate, however strange that relationship is.
They bring back memories of the inseparable friends you had in high school.
While most people don’t show their affection with a bear butt cheek to the face, there is still an element of respect and friendship there. There has to be considering they forgive and forget when it comes to all of the terrible stunts they play on each other.
Something is extremely cool about a group of guys who are willing to do the crazy things that no one else will.
Who hasn’t thought is would be fun to be launched through the air in a shopping cart or feel the sting of the rubber bullets authorities use for crowd control? I know I have.
In any case, “Jackass 2” is an entertaining film if only for its wildly imaginative and creative stunts.
