I've been told you simply MUST see a Jackass film in the theater, surrounded by a ton of rowdy fans drunk with enthusiasm. That this is truly the best way to watch these guys destroy one another on screen. While I still don't see the Jackass appeal, I'll try my best to reserve judgment until I do actually see one of their films in a packed house (which I probably won't do, but a boy can dream). That being said, Jackass 2.5 is now available online for free ... but you need to jump several hurdles before you can watch. First you need to download software, then you need to enter your personal info so they can verify your age, and then you need to wait for an email with a link to the movie -- and then you need to open your email, click on the link and, finally, the film begins to play. Phew.

But it's a free Jackass movie (for now), and those fans who can't get enough of their antics will most likely enjoy the new material. Based on what I saw, the film is entirely comprised of stuff left on the cutting room floor from Jackass Part Two. So basically you're getting an entire film worth of stuff they didn't think was fun enough for the other film. Like watching Steve-O attempt to fly a kite with his ass. Or watching the fat one (what's his name again?) stand on top of a Port a Potty painted black while the gang fly miniature airplanes at him, a la King Kong. I imagine this type of stuff is a lot funnier when you're watching with a group of other fans, while injecting alcohol straight into your brain, but free is free and, well, what else do you have to do? Apparently, the boys will start filming a Jackass 3 next year, and their new Jackass-related site, Jackassworld.com, will be launching soon.

Whoa, here's a surprise. The Hollywood Reporter has announced that the highly successful Jackass franchise is sending its next film, Jackass 2.5, directly to the internet. It will skip the theaters entirely (though it was originally rumored to be going straight to DVD). The film will be online, free of charge courtesy of Blockbuster Video, for two weeks starting December 19th of this year. You can view the film at blockbuster.jackassworld.com. Then the movie moves to DVD and iTunes, as "part of a light-speed reinvention of the customary distribution-window chain. The domestic release strategy also will be replicated internationally in early 2008, but with different distribution partners." Jackassworld.com will now be the permanent online spot for all things Jackass, with new content due to start February 9th, 2008.

I've got to say, I find this news incredibly disappointing. Now, why would I say that a free movie is a disappointment? Because I effing love the Jackass films! And the reason I love them so much is because they are an absolute blast to watch in the theater! You get a big, rowdy, preferably tipsy crowd together, you go on a Friday night, and you laugh your asses off. It's like Borat (which I would argue Jackass paved the way for). It's just not the same on the small screen, and it's best as a shared experience. Jackass 2.5 is only 64 minutes, which I guess could be part of the reason it's not hitting theaters. But...couldn't they just add fifteen more minutes of Jackassery on tape? I don't know, I'll watch the thing of course, but it's going to be mighty depressing sitting in front of my computer watching something that used to be an exhilarating, hilarious, disgusting highlight of my theatergoing year. Then again, there's always Jackass 3 (which will begin shooting early next year) to look forward to. What do you think?

I've never been a fan of Jackass, although I will admit to being inebriated several months back and finding the original movie to be somewhat funny. I think Johnny Knoxville and his clan of morons know who their audience is, and they subsequently provide their fans with tons and tons of memorable material. That said, following the success of Jackass: Number Two (and contrary to what they might have said immediately following its release) it seems the boys aren't done with all the stunts and disgusting behavior. In fact, Knoxville even said there was so much footage leftover, as well as stuff they never got to shoot, that at one point they'd have to release another film. So, folks, I bring you ... Jackass 2.5.

Yup, the boys are back again, and some brief footage from their latest flick was recently leaked to SlashFilm. In it, the tiny fellow (sorry, I haven't had a chance to memorize all their names) points to a television monitor and claims they're right smack in the middle of shooting the "opening to 2.5." Peter from SlashFilm then updated his post to include this little tidbit: "Bam Margera apparently made an appearance on the Howard Stern Show earlier today, and let it slip that the Don Vito teeth pull which was shown in the television ads and movie trailer will be one of the cut segments featured on the all new release." Awesome! I love me a good teeth-pulling session. Additionally, SlashFilm says Jackass 2.5 will go straight to DVD and arrive on shelves this Christmas.