DVD Reviews

Jackass 3D

• Rating:
• Director: Jeff Tremaine
• Starring: Bam Margera
• Details: US/93mins 18

It's a bit ironic that the third cinematic instalment of a stylistically standard reality TV show probably showcases 3D better than any production before it, but there you have it, Jackass 3D utilises the sticky-out format better than any big budgeted blockbuster has thus far. Take that, James Cameron. All of the lads return and take the disgusting, the dangerous and the downright weird to the very next level, and it's every bit as entertaining as the first time they did it.
There are people out there who find the shenanigans contained in the Jackass world about as repulsive as a Mel Gibson outburst, and that's fair enough. There are scenes in this film that may genuinely cause you to dry heave in your seat, with a now sober Steve-O in particular still gamely testing his gag reflex. But almost every one of them is performed in such a jolly, fun way, that the group enjoyment of the stunts somehow spills out into the audience - its infectious stuff, but y'know, without the risk of catching an actual infection.
In fairness to director Jeff Tremaine, he could've kept the lads doing the same thing, shot it all in 3D and then laughed all the way to the bank. But they've upped the ante, with everyone taking their turn with some nasty looking stunts. Of the bunch, the lads as a group obviously enjoy torturing Bam, and he may as well have a target painted on his back. He hands out a fair share of the punches in glorious, strangely cinematic, slow motion; but then has the prank turned around on him in amusing fashion.
Despite the wonderful group dynamic that really shows all of these guys as genuine friends, Johnny Knoxville is still the charismatic centre of Jackass and once again steps up to the plate for some of the more life-threatening stunts. A second bash at leading man status may beckon for the handsome co-creator of the series after the success of this film, and hopefully he grasps it this time.
It probably won't win over any new fans, but this is fun, often hilarious watching that is actually worth the extra dough in 3D - shocking, I know.

Review by Mike Sheridan