Jackass: The Movie

If you’ve not heard of Jackass before, then you must have been living as a recluse for the past few years. Cited as one of the funniest shows on MTV (before The Osbournes came along anyway), Jackass follows the exploits of Johnny Knoxville and his crew, as they perform a range of sadomasochist stunts. Without being under the influence of alcohol. Well, without visibly being under the influence.

Filmed on wobbly digital camcorders, Jackass - The Movie is a feature-length expansion of the TV show, showcasing stunts and pranks that either required a budget greater than that available for the television show, or were deemed too gross for TV. Indeed, MTV’s censors seem to have been given the day off, as there is no evidence of the bleeps or pixilation that viewers of the show will be familiar with. And so the scene is set for prolific swearing, actual soiling of trousers (and on-camera inspection), genital electrocution and the insertion of toy cars where they just don’t belong.

Don’t come to see this film expecting a plot (Knoxville & co lost that ages ago), but true to the show’s format, there is a range of set pieces. Whilst some obviously sounded better during a drunken session, there are moments of pure comedy genius. All feature members of a cast who share the same enthusiasm and apparently inexhaustible ingenuity for pain, foolhardiness and humiliation that is admirably put to the service of entertainment.

And this film does just that - entertain. Some will find all this a bit juvenile, but then you shouldn’t really come to see this film expecting the next Oscar winner for Best Film. There are few films which create a consistent sense of fun in the theatre, and you soon get caught up in the infectious nature of hearing others laugh out loud. An excellent way to remove those exam stresses!

Alex Coe