What is there to really say here? It’s not like you don’t know what the Hell this film is about. Johnny Knoxville and his band of knuckleheads do more horrifyingly disturbing things to each other for the amusement (and horror) of others. Any questions? I didn’t think so.
What is there to really say here? It’s not like you don’t know what the Hell this film is about. Johnny Knoxville and his band of knuckleheads do more horrifyingly disturbing things to each other for the amusement (and horror) of others. Any questions? I didn’t think so.
Now, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t to say I wasn’t entertained. There is still a part of my brain that is somehow amused by this kind of base, lowest common denominator humor. Well, some of it. I’ll say this first: There are parts of this movie that are downright disgusting and even the part of my brain that laughs at much of this movie can’t get on board. The bodily function/fluids part of what these guys do just isn’t right. It’s beyond drunken frat boy tom-foolery. Farts and shit isn’t funny anymore. I’m not 9 years old. So that part is just disgusting and unnecessary.
However, now that that is out of the way, I can’t help but laugh at much of these guys’ nonsense. It’s all practical jokes and insane stunts that no human should ever consider doing. And I guess that’s part of the allure. What person in their right mind stands in front of charging buffalo while wearing roller skates? Similarly, who taunts a charging ram with a tuba? Who rides a jetski full-speed off a ramp, over a hedge and into the ground – just for kicks? These guys put themselves in serious danger over and over again and who doesn’t love a daredevil? And a stupid one at that? We all know that Evel Knievel was a spectacle to watch. It was fascinating to see if he could make those jumps. And at least he took some degree care. Here we have a bunch of guys that really don’t take many precautions, so it’s even more fascinating. So many people slow down for the car crash or the train wreck. Johnny Knoxville and the guys just do it on film and with intent.
Another reason it works is because they do it TO THEMSELVES. They don’t put random strangers in danger. THAT would be horrible and no one would condone or watch it. But to keep the dangerous pranks limited to their own group – the very people choosing to do it, well, that’s funny. We’re comfortable laughing at their misfortune because they all choose it.
The one exception to this is Bam Margera’s parents. Not that he does anything dangerous to them; just pranks. Luckily, he rewards them for their unwitting involvement by buying them houses and stuff. Seriously, it’s the least he can do for what he puts them through. And here he plants a wild gorilla in their hotel room. Of course, the gorilla is really Chris Pontius in an ape suit. That fact, however, does not dilute their terror response. They think it’s a real gorilla and insanity ensues. I’m sorry, it’s funny.
Steve O is still appears to be on a mission to prove that he is the most insane. He succeeds. There is something wrong with that guy. Some of the most disgusting things …Ok, seriously, the money better be fucking AMAZING. And if the things they do aren’t gross enough, well, the amount of on-screen vomiting may put you over the edge.
Luckily the disgusting things are in the minority, and the funny pranks/shenanigans are more plentiful. You wanna laugh at the clown, this is the movie to do it. And as far as the 3D goes, they make surprisingly good use of it. Does the term “dildo rocket launcher” sound intriguing? It should if they aim it right at the camera. Or maybe it’s more disconcerting. Either way, there are some eye popping slow-motion 3D moments in this film, no doubt.
Dare I day I recommend it? I gotta admit, I laughed. Hey, if you don’t have a weak stomach, go see it and enjoy. Those with weak stomachs, well, you’ll need to close your eyes a few times.
~ Neil T. Weakley, your average movie-goer going low-brow for this one. Way low.
