Initially inspired by how to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Jackass, here we have something that makes a lot of sense: one final cinematic event, Jackass: Best and Last, featuring the original cast. With all of the guys now being in their 50s, with the notable exceptions of Ryan Dunn, who passed away, and Bam Margera, who was ostensibly fired from the group, there’s only so much they can still continue to do without serious health-related risks. Sure, there are new generation cast members helping to keep things going, but none of them have the magnetism of the group’s captain, Johnny Knoxville, who has suffered too many concussions from his bouts with bulls to keep performing stunts and is visibly emotional over choosing to essentially hang up his spurs. This resulting entry is a mix of new stunts, favorite clips, and never-before-seen outtakes. It may not feature nearly as much ambition as some of the earlier entries, but for those who have grown up to some degree watching these jackasses, it’s fair to say emotions are welcome.
Everyone should know the drill at this point: Knoxville and his compatriots spend most of the film performing various stunts and pulling pranks on each other. Again, given where these guys are in their lives, there’s less of an emphasis on just how much physical torture some of them can take. That said, it doesn’t stop us from seeing sites as Steve-O (now sober for over 18 years) receiving a prostate exam from a robot (vocalized hilariously by comedian Adam Ray) or an escape room setup featuring a variety of dangerous traps. Do these things elicit laughter alongside (amusing) disgust and other visceral reactions? Of course. More importantly, the camaraderie remains clear.
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While there’s only so much to really “review” when it comes to these Jackass films, a lot of that stems from not only the consistent amount of comedy found in them, but the tone. There’d be more to say were these films to take any turn that suddenly finds the guys going out of their way to be mean, or as if their hearts aren’t in it anymore. Fortunately, that’s really not the case, which is also what makes these films so endearing. Sure, not all audiences are going to be into some of the things witnessed, whether it’s the amount of genital beatings taking place or the various…fluids constantly in close proximity to any of these guys, but knowing how much these wild boys genuinely enjoy being around each other can go a long way in at least getting people on board with there being some positive takeaway. Or maybe one needs more convincing in that regard.
Throw away the grossness of it all, and there’s still something at play that feels akin to early silent comedies. Is director Jeff Tremaine setting up Knoxville and the gang to be the equivalent of Buster Keaton? Perhaps at one point during this series. At this point, however, it’s more like having a gang of geeks at a carnival now holding onto some status as movie stars, which isn’t an uninteresting thing to consider. That said, none of the success that comes from making a film like this happens without it being likable.
While I can’t speak to how any of these guys are when the cameras aren’t rolling (I’d just as well assume mildly reserved when not near each other), there is something to be said for the comfort they have around each other. Not only does it speak to the lack of ill will held following the various pranks (and the occasional kick in the groin), but the ways that speak to their masculinity and non-toxic heterosexuality (with the amount of nudity taking place, they’d be right at home in Ancient Greek wrestling matches).
What is this all getting at? Well, there’s only so much to say about a film that is half a clip show featuring highlights from previous films and the original MTV-produced TV show. It is nice to get extended takes and new footage to provide some additional context. Even the talking heads allow for a level of self-awareness to unfold, which I would have liked to see more of. That said, relying so much on previous footage does hold the film back from feeling like the most extreme entry, as funny as it all is. If anything, it leaves a lot of curiosity for what didn’t make the cut. We once again get to see some of the newer members in action, but while “Poopies” and Zach Holmes are featured plenty, Rachel Wolfson gets pretty much nothing to do. Dark Shark (father of another new member, Jasper Dolphin) was such a hit in Jackass Forever that he’s now part of the main cast, and yet, he’s also curiously sidelined for much of the film.
It’s not as though these are deep criticisms, as there’s really only so much to say for these hybrid doc/stunt shows that aren’t relying on telling any story. One just has to wonder what other footage is out there, given that it’s clear this is intended to be a real finale for the series. That said, getting the chance to revisit these guys when they were younger and then cut to them now does allow for an interesting thematic sense of nostalgia. Have these guys evolved all that much? Not really. However, the joy they still take in these elaborate pranks, dangerous stunts, and other nonsense speaks to how one can celebrate multiple decades of good times, knowing it’s truly shaped them as people to some degree while providing entertainment for multiple generations of fans.
With Knoxville’s charisma doing plenty of work to merely dare the viewer to keep going, Jackass: Best and Last may not be the best, but it does make me hope it’s not the last we see of this crew in some capacity, even if they have to find other ways of putting themselves in a form of danger that is also somehow less deadly. Regardless, this is a fun ride that speaks to the good times the group has continued to have together, which makes for good-spirited laughter… and the occasional covering of the eyes.
Jackass: Best and Last opens in theaters on June 26, 2026.
