In Jackass: Best and Last, the ageing crew of stunt performers delivers a mix of new pranks and classic footage, creating a nostalgic farewell that balances humour with the physical toll of their antics. The film, released in US and UK cinemas on 26 June and in Australia on 2 July, features Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, and the gang engaging in signature gross-out stunts, including a robot-performed prostate exam and a colonoscopy-themed game of Twister.
A Compilation with New Material
The film is described as a compilation, with roughly one-third previously seen footage from the MTV show and earlier movies. Director Jeff Tremaine includes segments that were too extreme for TV, such as Knoxville shopping for a hacksaw while dressed in a prison jumpsuit. The movie opens with rare footage of a pre-MTV Knoxville testing a bulletproof vest, offering a glimpse into the origins of the series.
New stunts include a sequence where Poopies receives excessive lip filler injections, and an escape room from hell that evokes the horror film Saw. However, some newer bits are overshadowed by the classic clips, and the escape room sequence feels incomplete.
Ageing and Finality
The film addresses the crew's ageing directly, with Knoxville's voice breaking as he discusses wrapping up the series. The decision to make a compilation rather than a full feature of new stunts suggests the physical risks have become too great. Steve-O's prostate exam and the colonoscopy Twister highlight the group's willingness to turn medical procedures into comedy.
According to the review, the film lacks a full 90 minutes of new material, making it closer to a greatest hits album with bonus tracks. This structure may disappoint hardcore fans, but the communal joy and acceptance characteristic of the series remain intact.
Cultural Context
The review contrasts Jackass with other comedies like the recent Scary Movie reboot, which relied on offensive jokes about marginalised groups. Jackass, by contrast, earns its laughs through genuine physical risk and a sense of camaraderie. The film is seen as a valuable addition to the franchise, particularly as a finale that honours its legacy without overstaying its welcome.
Key figures like Knoxville, Steve-O, and Wee Man return, alongside newcomers like Poopies, while Rachel Wolfson and Jasper Dolphin appear primarily as moral support. The film's release marks the end of an era for the gross-out comedy genre.
