I can certainly understand why many people despise Jackass. Essentially, it's little more than a bunch of middle-class American kids goofing around with video cameras and doing some rather despicable things along the way. And yet the show managed to become a huge success, building a worldwide cult following and spawning feature films, documentaries and numerous spin-offs. Jackass is highly entertaining, side-splittingly hilarious and something of a cultural phenomenon. It's also one of the most disgusting, frightening and irresponsible shows ever to hit mainstream television- it's a minor miracle that nobody died during filming.
For me, one of the reasons Jackass works so well is the sheer watchability and authenticity of the crew. Johnny Knoxville has genuine star quality with his Jack Nicholson-esque features and natural on-screen charisma. Steve-O is a bona-fide punk hero and is absolutely hilarious throughout the whole series. These two are the stars of the show and some of the stunts that they perform are almost unfathomable.
They are backed up by an assortment of oddballs who each bring their own special flavour to the show. Chris Pontius has a unique comedic style that helps balance out a lot of the gruesomeness on display. Jason 'Wee Man' Acuna and Preston Lacy team up as the most unlikely of double-acts and provide some of the show's funniest moments. Ehren McGehey is the fall-guy of the show, mercilessly pushed to the limits by his accomplices but seemingly happy to go along with it. The late Ryan Dunn was one of the most likeable members but still took part in some of the most horrific scenes. And finally there is Dave England, the unsung hero of the show. It seems like he isn't actually supposed to be there but is still happy to take on the most disgusting stunts in the entire series. His 'Vomelet' scene is possibly the single worst thing I've ever seen on TV- google it if you dare.
I can't say I was ever much of a Bam Margera fan though. He seems to embody the 'annoying rich frat boy' vibe that many of the show's detractors complain about. The scenes with him and his parents are often uncomfortable to watch and probably the worst parts of the show.
In the days since Jackass started, there have been countless copycat acts but none have ever captured the vibe that this show had. Yes it's grotesque and appalling at times but it's also inventive, original and hilariously funny. It never feels like the Jackass crew are doing any of this for attention or for money, it's more like watching a bunch of over-excited kids seeing how far they can push things for the sake of it.
One of my favourite TV shows; not perfect but uniquely brilliant.
