#46. Jackass 3D - Review

Jackass 3D

Let me preface this by saying I liked this film. It was funny, and gross, and everything else a Jackass film is supposed to be. But, as a diehard fan I must say, its time to pack up the double-sided dildos and hard-cups because the show is officially over. The magic is gone, and by magic I mean desperation. These guys not only shouldn’t be inflicting these inane stunts upon their aging bodies, but they don’t need to. It is just kind of depressing watching them take their hits, try to laugh, and then look down until the skit fades to black.

Think back to the masterful Jackass Number Two. Those pranks and stunts were great and imaginative, but the humor almost always came from when the camera was just left on and we got to relish in the aftermath of the cast’s stupidity. In 3D, the camera is forced to cut away quickly because the only thing left to watch is the sad look in the eyes of the tired cast and crew. Their eyes show both appreciation for being alive, and a conspicuous gleam of leeriness. When your pushing 40, and your legacy is based on the ability of withstanding blunt-force-trauma to your sack, leeriness is understandable.

Jackass 3D Cast

Anyone who knows me is already familiar with my opinion on 3D, and that opinion is that I hate it. Without going into it, I will say that Jackass 3D is probably one of the best films I have seen that has used 3D-technology to its benefit. Specifically the opening credits and the ending montage utilize the sophisticated camera and take full advantage of its capabilities.

I never thought I would say this, but I kind of hope that this third entry into the series will finally be a wrap on ol’ Knoxville and company. I don’t know what they will do now. I like Johnny Knoxville and his so called attempts at acting, but I am not sure what the other guys could do. Not that this matters because the film made a metric butt-ton of money, which will insure a fourth film. Jackass 4D? I don’t know, but if that means they are going to spray me in the face with piss while I wear my 3D glasses count me out. . . Oh whom am I kidding? I will be there opening day!

#45. The Wiz - Review

The Wiz poster / banner

Oh my God! This is one of the weirdest films I have ever seen. The Wiz is an all-African American retelling of The Wizard of Oz, set in 1970’s Harlem. Dorothy, played by Diana Ross, is a kindergarten teacher who lives with her Aunt Emma and from what I can tell hates everyone in her family. Her dog Toto gets loose during a snowstorm one evening, and somehow a tornado (in Harlem) sweeps Dorothy to the magical spray-painted world of Oz. Except unlike the original where Oz is a world unlike anything young Dorothy had ever seen, Oz in this film is just Harlem. Sure everyone sings in this world, but its still just Harlem!

It is hard to look at this film without a critical eye, because it is really bad. The editing is chopping (even for a musical) and it severely handicaps the plot and pacing. The writers and director seem to solely rely on our knowledge of the original Wizard of Oz, wasting little time making sense of the story. The film’s villain is only mentioned once (I am not even kidding) until the “epic” battle at the end of the second act.

The Wiz film cast

The songs for the most part were ok, but the majority of them all sound like “Cheer up Charlie” and you know what that means: Fast Forward! Toto is a little shit in this film too! In The Wizard of Oz Toto is an instigator for sure, but still charming. In this movie he runs on screen for a few moments to start some shit for poor Dorothy, and then runs off screen again. I swear Dorothy goes 15 minutes in some spots without ever seeing Toto or even wondering where he is. Speaking of Dorothy, I hate to say it, but Diana Ross is a horrible actress. She gives the character of Dorothy about as much pathos as Ben Affleck provides his character in Armageddon.

Michael Jackson in The WizAlthough I am pretty sure I hated this flick, I can understand its appeal. It has real camp charm, and anyone who grew up watching it probably has fond memories (Beth). The set design, art direction, and costumes are really spectacular. They spent a lot of time and effort giving this film a distinct look, and that effort is apparent on screen.

It is too bad I didn’t like this film more; I wanted to enjoy my time in black Oz. But, without even comparing it to the original 1939 classic, or the 1985 horror sequel Return to Oz, I can tell you this is not a good film. It is a disjointed, confused, re-imagining of a simple story lazily given a fresh coat of “urban.” But, it has Michael Jackson playing the Scarecrow, so you know I had to buy it!

If you have seen and like The Wiz, I would appreciate it if you left a comment explaining yourself, and tell me why I am wrong or at least what I missed.

***SORRY NO TRAILER***