REVIEW — “Jackass Forever”

Ouch! How are these guys still alive?

Johnny Knoxville and the old gang are back (with a few new faces) attempting more daring stunts, cringe-inducing tricks, and viscous pranks in jackass forever.

While the film is undoubtedly hilarious, it can often be torturous to watch. And the full-frontal male nudity definitely earns its hard R-borderline-NC-17 rating. However, underneath all the bruised testicles, there is a real heart at the center of this film. These guys are brothers and as much as they tease, torment, and physically abuse each other, they truly share a loving bond that has only grown after all these years.

And the new cast is nothing to sniff at either. Stand outs Zach Holmes, Jasper, and “Poopies” take several hits and keep on trucking. Jasper even gets his formerly incarcerated dad, Dark Shark, in on the action during several bits that prove the jackass guys are harder than prison yard felons.

The Jeff Tremaine-directed film features guests stars like Eric Andre, Machine Gun Kelly, Spike Jones, and Tyler the Creator, among others. However, the criminally-underrated Danger Ehren is the true MVP of jackass forever. From the “Silence of the Lambs,” “Bear Chair,” and “Spider Helmet” segments to the film’s highlight, “Cup Test,” Danger Ehren takes on some of jackass forever‘s most brutal, dangerous, and twisted stunts solo. The brazen Steve-O comes in a close second this time around.

One public point of contention is the notable absence of popular original Jackass member, Bam Margera, due to his on-going drug battles and feud with the cast following the tragic death of OG jackass, Ryan Dunn. However, Bam does appear in one single stunt. He shows up in the background of the “Marching Band” segment in a blink-and-you’ll miss capacity. While this bit looks innocent on paper, it is perhaps the most injury inducing stunt in the entire film.

The openings of all the jackass films have been spectacular, but none have been as gut (and nut) busting as the one in jackass forever. And the film’s finale and sweet Dunn tribute is worth all the pain.

jackass forever is rated R for strong crude material and dangerous stunts, graphic nudity and language throughout. See precisely how nuts these guys are in theaters now.