Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa
Starring: Johnny Knoxville, Jackson Nicoll, Greg Harris, Georgina Cates, Unsuspecting Americans
Directed By: Jeff Tremaine
Reviewed by Danielle Muir
[rating: 4/5]
The inclusion of somewhat of a narrative into Jackass’ antics may well have been one of their smartest moves. Technically speaking, smart isn’t really associated with Knoxville and the crews antics, but Bad Grandpa, for all its ridiculousness, seems like it knows exactly what it’s doing.
Ringleader Johnny Knoxville is kitted out in caked prosthetics as Irving Zisman, recently widowed and ready to get back in the game – chatting up birds and chasing ‘tail’ wherever possible. But then, the inevitable spanner is thrown into the works – his crack addicted daughter ditches her young son Billy at her mother’s funeral, leaving a jilted Irving to transport him across America to his equally dodgy dad, whose only desire to have him is a meal ticket. All of this is played out in scenes surrounded by the unsuspecting American public.
Bad Grandpa’s formula is a winning one, as there’s nothing funnier than good old human nature. From laughing, to crying, to almost coming to physical blows – the Jackass crew certainly know how to get a reaction out of people! There’s nothing funnier than the shock and awe of the public as Irving oozes seediness and Billy equals him in sass.
Speaking of Billy, I don’t know where they found this kid but what a brilliant discovery. He spouts insults, curse words and sass like a pro – not even batting an eyelid when Knoxville’s at his most ludicrous. They bounce off each other in such a natural and hilarious way; it wouldn’t be unreasonable to believe they are actually related.
In terms of the gags, there are some flat moments – and one particularly tense moment where Knoxville shows his chops leaves us in actual fear for the actor playing the father, in a headlock by a bunch of angry bikies. However it’s shining moments and the chemistry of its leads far make up for any lulls. For those who love the previous Jackass instalments, you will be holding your sides in fear they will split.
In a year that seems sparse with comedies, Bad Grandpa stands proud and wildly entertains.
