I haven't bought into the 3D craze. The gimmick usually isn't enough to draw me to the theater. However, when I heard the Jackass guys made a new movie shot with 3D cameras I was intrigued. We missed opening weekend, but we were able to check it out yesterday. It is odd to say that Jackass 3D is the most effective movie at using the technology that I've seen, but it is totally true. Granted, I haven't seen a ton, but I was impressed by what they were able to do. If you've seen the other two Jackass films you know exactly what you are in for. It makes it difficult to give this sort of movie a score out of 10. For what it is, it works well and is a lot of "fun" to watch. I don't want to seem like I'm over-rating it, but I have to give it a 7 out of 10. This movie starts out with a 3D slow motion sequence unlike any other I have seen. In a more polished film with CGI and post processing the slow motion can feel artificial. If nothing else, Jackass 3D is totally "real", which makes the ultra slow motion even more impressive to watch. Add the 3D on top of that and you have an experience that is pretty amazing visually. The opening scene of the film is worth the price of admission alone. I could have watched it 5 times, one after another, and wouldn't have grown tired of seeing it. There is so much stuff going on that you can't possibly take it all in even thought you want to. The ending of the movie is equally, if not more, impressive. When we're used to seeing so much CGI I had to keep reminding myself that this stuff was all really happening. Each time I had that realization it made it seem even more awesome.
I think you get it that I really freaking liked the beginning and ending of the movie. However, those moments only account for a small percentage of the hijinks these guys get into. The entire film is in 3D, but all the stuff in the middle isn't quite as impressive as the slow motion sections that bookend the film. The meat of the movie is the same group of guys from the first 2 doing the same type of stunts that we've come to love them for. They did have some pretty funny/nasty stuff in there, but I don't feel it was quite on par with the first two movies.
Steve-O and Johnny Knoxville have always brought a reckless enthusiasm for every stupid stunt they attempt. This time around that was missing. They seemed tired; worn out. Most of the time it just seemed like they wanted to get it over with. In they past they would attempt things multiple times. They wouldn't give up until they got it "right". This time it was one and done. It didn't seem like they wanted to be doing any of this. I guess I can't really blame them. Maybe it is because I am getting older, or maybe the novelty has worn off a bit, but this film wasn't as funny. They definitely weren't as engaging or as through with their bits as they've been in the past.
I really think this is the last time we will see this group of guys do a movie. I am not saying there won't be another Jackass movie, but they will probably bring in some fresh meat to execute the stunts. Johnny Knoxville looked like he was ready for retirement.
I still really liked this movie and I am extremely glad I caught it on the big screen. Not to repeat myself, but they did some really cool stuff with slow motion 3D. Even though the jackasses didn't attack this film with as much vigor, it was still entertaining. I say go see it. It is worth the money.
Filed Under: 3D, Comedy