Monday Morning Poll: Who's The Real Jackass?
Filed under: Comedy, Critical Thought, Fandom, DIY/Filmmaking
Though it didn't break any box office records this past weekend, Jackass: Number Two pulled in a healthy $28.1 million dollars in ticket sales, beating out several films featuring A-list actors, B-list stories and tons of special effects. Yes, a film about a bunch of guys who run around and go out of their way to cause harm to themselves is the kind of flick people were in the mood to see. Um, not for nothing, but isn't that just a little bit scary?
Reading through various reviews for the film, I was shocked to see critics actually like the thing. Perhaps Josh Rosenblatt from the Austin Chronicle surprised me the most when, not only did he give Jackass: Number Two three and a half stars, but he caps off his review with -- wait for it -- "Strange as it might be to say, Jackass: Number Two is just the kind of vicarious excitement for which the movies were invented." Really? And here I thought the Jackass movies were nothing but longer reality shows -- even worse, reality shows we had to pay to watch.
So, I ask you: Who's the real Jackass? Us for shelling out money to see these morons in action or Johnny Knoxville and the gang for thinking what they're doing is actually cinematic entertainment?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-25-2006 @ 11:36AM
mike Unger said...
Listen with the freaking crappp thats come out of hollywood latley this movie wasnt so bad. I am not a jackass fan at all but i have to say the movie was funny and i think people just needed to see something real on the screen instead of just writtin bs. Id rather see this movie over than go watch another one of adam sandlers lazy ass films or another failed attempt by jim carey.
Theres gonna be a lot of great films coming out so i wouldnt worry about one film that just makes people laugh or wither johhny knoxville and the gang is thinking what theyre doing is actually "cinematic entertainment". Come on of course they dont. go watch it ERIK...ck.
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9-25-2006 @ 12:03PM
karina said...
I love Jackass. Josh Rosenblatt is right -- this is EXACTLY the kind of thing that early cinema was based on. The only differences between Johnny Knoxville and Fatty Arbuckle are about 300 pounds, and the wonders of modern technology.
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9-25-2006 @ 12:20PM
Film Junk said...
Well, to be fair they do make good use of their increased budget in the Jackass movies, including some really cool beginning and end sequences, and a lot of neat set pieces that wouldn't have been possible on the TV show. There's also a certain skill required for editing and pacing a movie like this -- the running gags inserted throughout, and gradual building of stunts to a grand finale.
One of the best things about a Jackass movie is just being able to see it with a theatre full of people. You can't get that with the TV show.
And considering someone like Spike Jonze is involved, I think the answer is clear... it may be low brow, but it also presents some unique filmmaking challenges and makes for quality cinematic entertainment!
-- Sean
FilmJunk.com
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9-25-2006 @ 12:38PM
Ron Moses said...
I haven't seen #2 yet, but I've never laughed harder in a movie theater... ever ...than I did while watching the first Jackass movie. If that's not sufficient validation of the films' existence (as if such was required) then I don't know what is.
Ron Moses
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9-25-2006 @ 1:07PM
Erik Davis said...
wow, so I guess I'm the jackass, huh? What else is new. Maybe I'll give it a shot on a night when I feel like killing a few thousand brain cells.
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9-25-2006 @ 3:17PM
Sean Graham said...
I vote for option #3: You're the real jackass for presuming you're the arbiter of taste and what is "cinematic entertainment".
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9-25-2006 @ 2:44PM
Grant said...
The last time I laughed this hard in a theater was during Jackass 1. Erik, it doesn't always take "A-list actors, B-list stories and tons of special effects" to make an entertaining movie that people enjoy. Half the time Hollywood ruins movies by going overboard on those criteria.
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9-25-2006 @ 6:38PM
Juan said...
I'll go and agree that Erik is the real Jackass. Yes this is cinematic entertainment. I got more enjoyment out of this film then the last 5 I have seen in theaters. Thats a job of a movie. To entertain me. And Erik, if you REALLY want to kill a few thousand brain cells, go see that new Sean Penn movie. It said to be truly aweful. Just look at it's rating on rottentomatoes, and compare it to Jackass 2 rating. Looks like there are a lot of morons out there then huh? Stop being so self righteous, and go live a little and see Jackass 2.
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9-25-2006 @ 7:02PM
Anonymous said...
I pick neither. You don't always a have to be a pretentious prick about everything. Go watch Jackass. I GUARANTEE you'll be entertained.
In fact, that's the beauty of cinema. You can go to a movie like "Half Nelson" and see a new perspective on people or life, or you can go to something like "Jackass" (or "Borat" for that matter) and go about the rest of your day with a smile.
A true movie fan shouldn't only enjoy one or two types of films. You should learn to appreciate each movie as whole different experiences. Furthermore, I believe you secretly want to see this movie.
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9-26-2006 @ 1:37PM
Jeff said...
How can you hate on Jackass?? Its entertainment and fun which is why we go to the movies in the first place. You remind me of someone in the 40's who would write how awful the 3 Stooges were. Lighten up and enjoy the show!!
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9-28-2006 @ 1:02PM
Jeff said...
its just some fun and entertainment like movies should be. You remind me of some critic in 1940 who complained about the 3 Stooges. Relax and enjoy the crazy kids!!
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10-16-2006 @ 1:59PM
Christian said...
Erik,
Great title for your Poll as it applies to you.
:)
Like you, I thought I would be "above" this type of humor. But at least before I slammed it, I went and saw it. Turns out it that I have never laughed as hard at a movie. Ever. And I am a major film buff and studied directing in college. Do yourself a favor and go see the film. I would love to hear your honest reaction...
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