Chances are if you are between the ages of 15-35 you have heard of Jackass and have made or seen a YouTube video re-creating one of their infamous stunts. Beginning as a reality TV show on MTV in 2000, Jackass launched the acting careers of Steve-O and Johnny Knoxville while they performed incredibly dangerous stunts for millions of viewers. In 2001 the show came to an end, but birthed a film franchise which now includes Bad Grandpa.

86-year-old Irving “Bad Grandpa” Zisman (Johnny Knoxville) goes on a journey with his 8-year-old grandson Billy (Jackson Nicoll). Along the way they to go to unusual places, meet odd characters and put themselves in strange situations.

In 2013, hidden camera prank humour is common place for reality television and even in movies, so common that it’s about as edgy as Play Dough. Bad Grandpa’s comedy can be obnoxious and boring, with much of it consisting of gross-out humour that desperately seeks laughs. Shock value can only get you so far, and sadly the  Jackass crew used up their supply years ago.

Despite the picture having a plot, it seems to be sacrificed for the sake of each prank (most of which, including the conclusion, are spoiled in the movie’s many trailers). The picture does have some redeeming value; Johnny Knoxville plays the old man incredibly well, at times you’ll forget that it’s Knoxville in makeup and costume. The child in the film plays off Knoxville’s character quite naturally and is a very convincing actor. The shock value with this character is not that he has a “bad attitude” but rather that he’s innocent compared to his grandpa’s shenanigans. Bad Grandpa is simply not worth the price of admission, and it might be a good idea for the 42-year-old Knoxville and Co. to move over and let the next wave of handsome morons try their hand at prankdom.

Published in Volume 68, Number 10 of The Uniter (November 6, 2013)