By Nicholas Proch

Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O and the gang have taken their talents, or their incredible ability to withstand pain and personal punishment, to the big screen yet again in Jackass 3D. The first thing you will notice, beyond the three-dimensional presence that this film has, is the much higher production value.  Produced by Paramount Studios, it’s clear that they sank a lot into this film.

For those who have seen any productions by the Jackass franchise, this is exactly what you would expect to see.  If you haven’t seen either of the first two movies or their show, you’re in for a shock.  The basic format of this film is familiar to those who have seen these guys before.  There are dozens and dozens of skits which run one after another to keep you laughing, covering your eyes, and squirming around your seat.

The three-dimension aspect of this film really isn’t a huge gain.  3D tends to be a gimmick in most movies and this is no different.  There isn’t a single moment where you feel that what you are seeing wouldn’t be as cool if it were only two-dimensional.

Written almost entirely by Preston Lacey, the pranks and situations that these actors are shown in are much more creative than past releases.  When you’re watching you can’t help but wonder how they got so inventive with their ideas.  From little people fights in public places to letting professional football player Jared Allen hit you at full speed, there is both an element of old and a new feel that they want to be known as a more intelligent group.  It might be a stretch to call anyone smart who is willing to put them self in these predicaments, but they are certainly taking a step in the right direction.

There are a few moments during this film where you ask yourself if you’ve seen this same prank before.  It wouldn’t be a Jackass film if you didn’t see Johnny Knoxville get run over by a bull or Bam Margera take cheap shots at someone followed by him screaming for his life at the hand of a gardener snake.

This film isn’t for everyone, and those on screen wouldn’t have it any other way.  Their tactic is to shock and they do it well.  Fortunately, they have such a reputation that they can push the limits knowing who their audience will be.  This is their best release to date and leaves you wanting to see more.  If you’ve enjoyed the first two big-screen releases from the Jackass crew, then you’ll be in for a treat next time you go to the theater.