The Jackass franchise has reached its conclusion with Jackass: Best and Last, a film that deviates from the series' typical fast-paced structure to deliver a more retrospective and celebratory experience for its dedicated fanbase. While still packed with the gross-out stunts and crude humor that defined the series, the film also incorporates behind-the-scenes moments, cast interviews, and archival footage, functioning less as a collection of entirely new stunts and more as a visual greatest hits compilation.
This unique format allows Jackass: Best and Last to bring the entire gang back together one last time, including archival footage of the late Ryan Dunn and previously unseen clips featuring Bam Margera. A memorable bit with Margera trapped in a dark room highlights the film's blend of old and new content. The movie also features the original clip that started Jackass, showing Johnny Knoxville shooting himself while wearing a bulletproof vest, footage MTV never aired.
Despite its retrospective nature, the film does not shy away from classic Jackass elements. The opening stunt involves Steve-O and a remote-controlled robot, and the movie contains plenty of the expected explicit and crude humor. However, the pacing, which intersperses older clips with newer stunts like Jasper being attacked by a ram, creates a distinct feel compared to traditional Jackass entries. This approach may disappoint viewers seeking exclusively new material but offers a satisfying journey for longtime fans.
One notable aspect of Jackass: Best and Last is its surprisingly emotional conclusion. In a moment that would have felt out of place in earlier installments, Johnny Knoxville, sitting in an electrocution chair, becomes visibly emotional when confirming that this is indeed the final Jackass movie. This tender moment, following decades of stunts and a shared history, provides an earned victory lap for the franchise and its performers.
While Jackass: Best and Last may not surpass previous entries like Jackass 3D for some fans, it succeeds as a fitting send-off. It allows the creators to end the franchise on their own terms, a rarity among Hollywood productions that endure for 25 years. The film's greatest hits-style approach and its ability to evoke genuine emotion from its audience make it a satisfying, albeit bittersweet, farewell to a franchise built on male friendship, spectacular failures, and shared laughter.
Jackass: Best and Last is currently in theaters.