A long time Jackass and Johnny Knoxville character, Irving Zisman finally gets his own movie, in what is a bit of a departure for the Jackass crew. Why? Theres actually some form of a plot here. Sort of.
After getting dumped by his jail bound mother, Billy (Jackson Nicoll) finds himself travelling across the country in the company of his grandfather (Johnny Knoxville). Irving has recently lost his wife and is far more interested in chasing tail as opposed to be the dear old doting grandpa. The two unlikely companions set off on a road trip that sees them get into various scrapes, many with hilarious consequences. The majority of the “scrapes” from funeral homes to weddings, are filmed with hidden cameras, so the reaction of the crowd or public is genuine. And it is quite obvious by the reactions, that this is not set up in any way. At least to me anyway, and if it is set up, then Oscars need to be handed out.
While Bad Grandpa never really delivers as an actual movie with an actual plot, it delivers big time in the usual Jackass way.. It may come down to the fact that we are all too conditioned to all things Jackass and Knoxville, so don’t go expecting a meaningful movie and about a boy and his grandfather. It can be a bit bizarre to have some meaningful bits between the two characters, and then it goes to some hidden camera madness. It just doesn’t work in the conventional sense. But this is far from conventional. Afterall, this is Jackass presents…
Knoxville is on top form here, never breaking character which is no mean feat considering the crazy stuff that happens throughout. But its Jackson Nicoll that is simply superb. The 9 year old delivers phenomenal interactions with members of the public and does so with out even breaking a sweat. Not only that, he is genuinely likeable and absolutely hilarious.
Jackass presents Bad Grandpa is just what the doctor ordered. An absolute no brainer of hilarity from beginning to end. And not only is it a great night out at the movies, but this has got the funniest scene of the year….which involves bacon!!! Check it out!
