Jackass Forever: A Beauty
Earlier this month, Jackass Forever hit theaters. This was the first time in over a decade that the members of Jackass were on the big screen. The response from fans was very positive as every fan could agree it was the movie we needed now. What’s so interesting about this installment is how the members of the team keep everything exciting despite their age. Johnny Knoxville, the captain of the group, is almost 51, Steve-O is 47, Wee Man is 48, Dave England is 52, Preston Lacy is 52, and “Danger” Ehren is 45. So the Jackass guys aren’t getting any younger, which brought up the question: “will they be able to top themselves despite their age?” The answer to that question is hell yeah they’re able.
Leading up to the release of Jackass Forever, there was a lingering fear that Johnny Knoxville and company had. How do they prevent making a movie that looked like a bunch of geezers reliving their glory days? This was a large concern to not only the cast of the film, but the audience as well. For over a decade I was waiting for the next move, but after the death of cast member Ryan Dunn, who passed away in a car accident in 2011, the chances of a sequel looked grim. But 12 years later they return. After seeing the trailer for the film all the fears I had about them not being capable, out do themselves dissipate.
The movie itself is an hour and forty-four minutes of beauty. Never did I think I’d see 50-year-old Johnny Knoxville do a triple front flip after being hit by a bull (well, maybe I thought I’d see it.) The guy is crazy so I guess it’s not that outlandish to believe. With that being said, the stunts are outrageous, gross, and cringe-inducing. With the addition of three new younger members to the team, Jasper Dolphin, Zackass, and Poopies, a new variety is added that acts as a refresher. Sadly, with the members gained, two were lost, that being the previously mentioned Ryan Dunn and, since his death, Bam Margera. Bam’s struggle with substance abuse violated a contract in place with Paramount studios, which got him fired from the movie.
It’s sad not seeing the original cast members together for one last flick. The absence of Dunn and Margera is sad, but it doesn’t take much away from the movie itself. The movie gives you the impression that these people won’t be around forever, so why don’t we just enjoy them while they’re still here, just as we did with Bam and Ryan. The stunts are crazy, pranks are hilarious, and the tribute to Ryan Dunn is touching. I adored Jackass Forever, and I think you would too. Go see it before it leaves theaters. I give Jackass Forever a massive concussion and multiple broken bones out of ten.