Film Review - Jackass Forever (2022)

It is without a doubt that Jackass is a certificate 18/rated R. In other words, not for children’s eyes. However, let’s face the facts. ‘Jackass’ is very marketed at children under the table. Between the age range of 9 to 16 ‘Jackass’ conveys heavenly entertainment for children due to its immaturity, idiocy and irresponsible behaviour. The franchise has spanned for twenty-two years, with the first season beginning in 2000. In 2002 the first movie catapulted to more popularity and now in 2022, most of the cast are in their 50’s and still practice and coordinate the most ridiculous stunts, playing with their lives, practically self-harming for fun. The question is, is it fun? This is where there will be a huge divide of opinion.

An audience will squirm with disappointment who are seen as ‘square’ or a ‘goody two shoes.’ The other half of the audience will deem themselves rebellious, relaxed and unruly. For those who see themselves as the latter three, ‘Jackass Forever’ will be very much loved by the old audience and spawn a new generation of fans. Johnny Knoxville, Steve O and Chris Pontius are your legacy characters, just as much as Wee Man. They push boundaries and create controversy through their dangerous stunts. Knoxville, without a doubt is the ringleader as he observes others in what he’s coordinated. When someone gets hurt, they laugh, they giggle and snicker at someone else’s expense. That’s all it is! There’s no moral or message. But if there was, it’s perhaps to get in touch with your inner child.

Now that these stunt performers are in their 50’s, should they stop because they’re too old? One could argue that you’re never too old to act silly and if one has a sense of humour than they can embrace and laugh at such antics. You’ll squirm and cringe. You’ll laugh out loud and admire the performers bravery and gallantry. Or you’ll think the stunts go too far and think how pathetic can this sort of entertainment be? It doesn’t take an idiot to work out, if you can’t stand the heat, then you’ve got to get out of the kitchen.

On the subject of plot spoilers, is it really plot spoilers if few of many are mentioned? Let’s just say who cares? It’s not like the disclosing of the new M. Night Shyamalan twist is happening here. When Chris O has a swarm of bees around his naked body, eventually making their way towards his penis, the audience will feel his stinging pain as he screams in discomfort. The laughs will occur and on to the next escapade.

When Johnny Knoxville intimidates a bull, what is a bull naturally going to do? It will stampede its horns and body into Knoxville colliding in a painful collision of course. Should we laugh at the result of his broken bones? If the rest of the cast are laughing, then so should we. When a new cast member; the token female Rachel Wolfson takes part, she can now be valued as a new worthy asset. To see her tied to a chair and consent to a lip botox procedure or more rather a scorpion to sting its tale on her lips, the audience will be uncomfortable. As a Jackass member teases the scorpion around her face, holding it with tweezers, one cannot help but laugh or more rather be intrigued as the scorpion drops on her breast. Rachel: “Oh no, not my boob, get it off,” (panicked). The reply: “Sorry, I can’t get it off from that area without your permission.” Rachel: “PERMISSION!!!” Political correctness is present for women but overall, the film is far from politically correct. By all means, watch it to wind down and not use your brain. After all, we all need brainless escapism. The tagline is: Some people never learn. Ain’t that the truth!