Sitting down to view the newest film starring Johnny Knoxville as the stereotypical “dirty old man” Irving Zisman was the bane of many film critics’ existence. But Why?
Sure the film is raw, raunchy and over the top, but didn’t we expect that knowing how Zisman has been portrayed in earlier Jackass films? Maybe, many of the critics haven’t seen one of the earlier Jackass films and maybe they don’t realize how funny those skits were in the context of everything. But I digress…
Let’s get to the thin story that exists. Irving’s wife has passed away and he sets out to take his daughter’s son (she’s on her way to jail) across the country to his father. Along the way the two encounter a variety of individuals and a variety of situations.
That’s the thin plot that exists here and the real thing wrong with the film. Because the plot is so thin, it actually detracts from the fun that is here.
Look, I’m not going to tell you everyone will like this film. They won’t. But what I am going to say is Johnny Knoxville and the rest of the cast delivers a mix of belly laughs, chuckles and downright funny moments to go alongside the cringe inducing turns.
Yes, I went home right after the movie and showered, but only once. Compared to some of the Jackass gags, this is actually kind of tame.
I don’t apologize for laughing out loud at the screening as Johnny Knoxville can deliver that. This would have been even funnier if it were in the context of just the Irving Zisman chronicles…it didn’t need the road trip aspect.
If it’s over the top raucous laughs you are looking for, you won’t get much badder than this grandpa. This is definitely NOT your father's grandpa.
B-
Paramount Pictures
Director: Jeff Tremaine
Cast: Johnny Knoxville, Jackson Nicoll
Rating: R for strong crude and sexual content throughout, language, some graphic nudity and brief drug use.
Runtime: 1 hour 32 minutes
