Jackass: Number Two Movie Review

The sequel to Jackass: The Movie needs no special introduction. Anyone familiar with the classic MTV series that spawned the movies knows exactly what they're in for: 90 chaotic minutes featuring a bunch of idiots performing immoral and repulsive rituals. This sequel promises to be more absurd and grotesque than we've seen before, as if everything prior was merely child's play.

Does Jackass: Number Two live up to its promise? You bet it does, though that may not necessarily be a good thing. My unscientific running tally of the scenarios gives the absurd a slight edge over the tedious. The stunts that work best -- "Butt Chug," "How to Milk a Horse," and "Terror Taxi" -- are insanely funny from beginning to end. Often, these jokes are taken beyond their logical end to achieve an entirely new degree of humor or vulgarity. Equally commendable are several stunts like "The Switcharoo" that slowly build tensions toward highly rewarding climaxes.

Yet, for every two stunts that work, there's one that doesn't. Numerous routines lack any inventiveness whatsoever: "Shock Chair" and "Medicine Ball Dodgeball" are much more mediocre in comparison to the others. The final musical number is ridiculously out of place and is a clear indication of the shortage of more decent (and by that I mean gross) material. If I'm paying to watch this trash on the big screen, I sure as hell better see some creativity. Yet, much to my amazement, as the movie progressed, I found myself less interested in my tally sheet and more engaged by the numskull actions of Johnny Knoxville and friends.

All of the original film's players, except for Chris Raab, return for Number Two. Steve-O appears to get the worst of the action by having to endure the fart man, an Indian leech healer, and an underwater experiment as shark bait. But, it's Spike Jonze who steals the show as an old woman with some wardrobe issues.

I enjoyed Number Two, but it isn't for everyone, and of course it will spur a whole new set of copycat maneuvers. But, now with an R rating, maybe the film stands to lose some of the teenage crowd that helped the first film gross over $60 million and will quickly fall from our radars. I guess there's a reason why MTV has relegated the show to just reruns.

He's here to grant your wish.