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Jackass Number Two
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Jackass Number Two
In a black background, a skull with two crunches crossing each other, bearing resemblance of a poison pictogram. Below it, the films titles with the word "Jackass" missing in the poster followed by a warning regarding to stunts performed in the film.
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJeff Tremaine
Based onJackass
by Johnny Knoxville
Spike Jonze
Jeff Tremaine
Produced by
  • Jeff Tremaine[1]
  • Spike Jonze[1]
  • Johnny Knoxville[1]
Starring
CinematographyDimitry Elyashkevich
Edited by
  • Seth Casriel
  • Matthew Probst
  • Scott Simmons
Music bySam Spiegel
Production
companies
Distributed by
Release date
  • September 22, 2006 (2006-09-22) (United States)
Running time
92 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States[1]
LanguageEnglish
Budget$11.5 million[2]
Box office$84.6 million[2]

Jackass Number Two is a 2006 American reality slapstick comedy film directed by Jeff Tremaine, and produced by Tremaine, Spike Jonze, and Johnny Knoxville. It is the sequel to Jackass: The Movie (2002), both based upon the MTV series Jackass. Like its predecessor and the original television show, the film is a compilation of stunts, pranks and skits, starring the regular Jackass cast of Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Dave England, Ryan Dunn, Chris Pontius, Wee Man, Steve-O, Preston Lacy, and Danger Ehren.

Produced by MTV Films, Dickhouse Productions and Lynch Siderow Productions, and distributed by Paramount Pictures, the film premiered in theaters on September 22, 2006, received generally positive reviews from critics and grossed $84.6 million worldwide against a production budget of $11.5 million.

Unused material of the film was released as a separate movie titled Jackass 2.5 online on December 19, 2007, and on DVD on December 26, 2007.[3] It was followed by another sequel, Jackass 3D (2010).

Synopsis

[edit]

The film opens by introducing the primary cast members while bulls aggressively chase them in a suburban neighborhood, wreaking havoc in the process.

The most notable stunts include: Johnny Knoxville riding a big red rocket which gets launched into the air; Bam Margera being trapped and stuck in a trailer with a king cobra; Dave England riding a giant firehose that launches him into a patch of mud; Ryan Dunn being launched into a garage door while riding a shopping cart; Chris Pontius' penis dressed as a mouse while a snake attempts to bite it; Wee Man getting zapped by an electric stool upon believing that cards are being thrown at him by champion card thrower Jim Karol; Steve-O getting his cheek pierced by a fish hook and getting thrown into the shark-infested Gulf of Mexico; Preston Lacy disguising himself as Bam's father Phil, in order to spoon with Bam's mother April in bed; and Ehren McGhehey attempting a loop while riding a pocketbike.

The final stunt is a prank orchestrated by the entire cast and crew on Ehren McGhehey, in which Ehren dresses up as a terrorist along with cinematographer Dimitry Elyashkevich, and the pair take a taxi to the airport, convincing the taxi driver that they are going to commit an act of terrorism. In reality, the driver is swapped with director/actor Jay Chandrasekhar, who becomes violent with Ehren when he attempts to initiate the prank. The taxi then pulls into a vacant lot, where a panicked Ehren is forced into the trunk. The cast and crew who are present for the prank rush to explain to Jay that they are filming a skit for a movie, prompting Jeff Tremaine to clap two wooden boards together to imitate the sound of gunshots to trick Ehren into thinking Bam has been shot, before Jay gets back into the car to drive in circles. When the car comes to a stop, Ehren is relieved to discover that it is a prank and that he was never in serious danger. However, it is then revealed to Ehren that the beard that was put on him as part of the bit was made up of pubic hair by a majority of the cast and crew, one of whom actually happened to have crabs, after which Ehren gets angry and vomits.

The movie concludes with Johnny Knoxville putting his hand in a bear trap, before transitioning into a performance by the main cast in a Busby Berkeley-style movie musical production number set to the La Cage aux Folles song "The Best of Times", where the guys sing and dance while performing more stunts. After a wrecking ball hits Knoxville, Rip Taylor appears to end the movie much like in the predecessor.

Cast

[edit]

The entire main cast from Jackass: The Movie returned for the sequel.

Guest appearances

[edit]

Crew

[edit]

Crew members who appear in this movie:

  • Director and producer Jeff Tremaine
  • Producer Spike Jonze
  • Executive producer Trip Taylor
  • Co-producer and cinematographer Dimitry Elyashkevich
  • Co-producer and photographer Sean Cliver
  • Cameramen Lance Bangs, Rick Kosick, Greg "Guch" Iguchi, and Mark Rackley
  • Photographer Ben "Benzo" Kaller
  • Sound mixer Cordell Mansfield
  • Boom operator Seamus Frawley
  • Art director J.P. Blackmon
  • Property master Scott Manning

Stunts including Viva La Bam regular Don Vito were also filmed and shown in original trailers. However, due to the scandal surrounding his arrest just prior to the film's release and the nature of the charges against him, all the scenes involving Don Vito were cut late in development.

Notable exceptions to the supporting cast are Raab Himself, who was battling alcoholism and drug addiction at the time, and Rake Yohn, who did however appear in Jackass 2.5. They both were recurring cast members in the Jackass TV show and in the first Jackass movie. Ryan Dunn initially approached Raab to appear in the movie, however, he declined the offer.[4]

Production

[edit]

Shooting began on January 30, 2006, and ended on June 23, 2006.[5][6] During filming, the Jackass cast refused to divulge their various locations, out of fear of fans interfering with the filming process. Notable filming locations include India, Australia, England, Moscow and Argentina. A few insights were leaked prior to the movie's release by Steve-O and Bam Margera via Radio Bam and Loveline. Other shootings were Bull Shoals, Arkansas; Key West, Florida; Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; New York City, New York; and West Chester, Pennsylvania. Even after completing enough footage for Number Two, Knoxville was so energized by being back together with his friends and shooting again, that he encouraged everyone to stay together and film more stunts (most of which ultimately released with 2.5), willing to even put himself at further risk of injury simply because he didn't want to part with the group so soon.

The infamous stunt "How to Milk a Horse" was originally shot for Wildboyz, but was saved for future use.[7] "The idea to drink the horse semen was not actually planned but was "in the back of everyone's mind."[8] To agree to do the stunt, Chris Pontius asked director Jeff Tremaine for a full day off of work, but discouraged doing so since Pontius had missed work the day before.[9] Additionally, on screen Chris Pontius stated to Jeff Tremaine, "This is going to make up for something bad I'm going to do in the future." This deal was verbally agreed upon and sealed with a handshake; it should also be noted that said deal was videotaped for the camera.

Deleted scenes that were also filmed but not included in either the final film or Jackass 2.5 include: "The Lamborghini Tooth Pull" with Don Vito (which would later be performed in Jackass 3D by Ehren McGhehey); "The Human Newton's Cradle", where Preston Lacy, Bam Margera, Phil Margera, Don Vito, and Brandon DiCamillo were the "spheres" for a life size Newton's cradle; "Meatball Sling Shot", where Bam slingshots a meatball in Vito's face (which was also performed by Phil Margera and included in Jackass 2.5); "SWAT Team Wake Up", where a SWAT Team wakes Johnny Knoxville up by blowing the door to his motel room; "Wee Baby", where Wee Man is dressed as a baby and put in a box in an attempt to get shipped out through the mail (which was later redone in Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa); "Unicycle Hellride", where Steve-O rides a unicycle over hot coals; "Balloon Flight", where Bam has balloons tied to him which causes him to float in the sky, he then uses a pellet gun to shoot the balloons with to slowly descend into a lake; and "Ignited Farts", where Bam, Steve-O, Ryan Dunn, Chris Pontius, and Dave England would get in a bathtub and try to ignite their farts underwater, ending with Dave defecating by accident (this stunt would later be performed by Steve-O in Jackass Forever). Although they were deleted, some of the deleted scenes are briefly shown in the credits or the making of Jackass Number Two and Jackass 2.5. A short clip of the tooth pull scene appeared in the original trailer for Jackass Number Two, a photo of the human Newton's cradle was released, and the entire "Ignited Farts" sequence was once available on the Jackass World website, but has since disappeared following the website's closure.

Screenings and release

[edit]

The film had 4 different screenings for fans of Jackass and MySpace users, which was a part of MySpace's "Black Carpet" screening. The screenings took place a few days before the movie was released (possibly August). Some of the screenings also had surprise visits by cast and crew. For example, the Pennsylvania screening had director Jeff Tremaine and cast members Johnny Knoxville and Bam Margera.

On June 15, 2006, Yahoo! released the first official teaser for the movie.[10] The stunts in the trailer included Knoxville riding a "rocket bike" off a ramp and a blindfolded Knoxville being rammed by a yak.

The film was released on DVD on December 26, 2006, in its R-rated version in full and widescreen, and in widescreen in the unrated version.[11]

Box office

[edit]

Jackass Number Two opened on September 22, 2006, in 3,900 screens at 3,059 theaters. It debuted at number one on its opening weekend with a total gross of $29 million.[2] On its first day in theaters Jackass Number Two matched its $11.5 million production budget.[2] The film grossed an additional $14 million in its second week. Overall the film made $84.6 million worldwide, nearly $5 million more than the original.[2]

Critical reception

[edit]

Review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reports a 66% approval rating from 101 critic reviews; the average rating is 6.00/10. The general consensus reads: "Better than any sequel to the movie of a television show has a right to be, Jackass Number Two dares you not to laugh."[12] On Metacritic, the film has a rating of 66 out of 100 based on 23 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[13] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.[14]

The New York Times awarded Jackass Number Two a Critic's Pick, writing, "Debased, infantile and reckless in the extreme, this compendium of body bravado and malfunction makes for some of the most fearless, liberated and cathartic comedy in modern movies."[15] On Ebert & Roeper, Richard Roeper and guest critic Fred Willard gave Jackass Number Two a "Two Thumbs Up" rating.[16][17]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Main article: Jackass Number Two: Music from the Motion Picture

The soundtrack was released on September 26, 2006, by Bulletproof Records. The soundtrack features songs that were featured in the movie, and various audio clips from the movie. Among the new songs included in the soundtrack are "Gettin' Fucked Up" – a collaboration between rap group Three Six Mafia (who themselves briefly appear in the film) and Josey Scott, lead singer of heavy metal band Saliva – and "Backass" – a collaboration between electroclash musician Peaches and Karen O, lead singer of the indie rock trio Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Home media

[edit]

The Rated and Unrated DVD versions of the movie were released on December 26, 2006.[11] The rated version includes the 96 minute theatrical release, with bonus features, and the unrated includes extended scenes that were shortened in the original movie. Both DVDs feature commentary by the cast (with the exception of Bam Margera), director and producer Jeff Tremaine, and co-producer and cinematographer Dimitry Elyashkevich. The DVD also included 16 deleted scenes removed from the theatrical release, more than 20 additional scenes, 9 TV spots, 8 promotional spots including the theatrical trailer, gag reel, the uncensored version of Karazy by Chris Pontius and a promotional commercial for the 2006 VMAs.[18] The Making of Jackass featurette is also featured on the DVD.

Jackass 2.5

[edit]

Jackass 2.5 was a direct-to-home media version with additional footage (in this case, both intentionally for 2.5 and footage they were unable to include for Number Two). It was released to the Internet at Blockbuster.com and Hulu as a free screening on December 19–31, 2007, and to DVD on December 26, 2007. It includes special features such as the making of Jackass 2.5, the making of Jackass: The Game, deleted scenes, photo gallery, and additional footage.[19][20]

The most notable bits include: Johnny Knoxville getting a prostate exam and trying to donate sperm at a clinic in Russia; Bam Margera flying a kite out of his anus with anal beads; toy airplanes attacking Preston Lacy while he is painted as King Kong; Dave England and Ehren McGhehey boxing with after getting violently spun on office chairs; Wee Man bullfighting against a calf; a snapping turtle biting Chris Pontius on the nose; Steve-O drinking beer off Shridhar Chillal's nails; Ryan Dunn and Bam getting golf balls teed off of them, and members of the Jackass team going through a Cajun obstacle course with alligators, pigs, paintball shots, and spittoon drinking.

Sequel

[edit]
Main article: Jackass 3D

Paramount Pictures and MTV Films greenlit a third Jackass, which was shot in 3D.[21] Filming began in January 2010 and it was released on October 15, 2010.[22]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jackass Number Two

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jackass Number Two is a 2006 American stunt comedy film directed by Jeff Tremaine and serving as the direct sequel to the 2002 film Jackass: The Movie. The movie reunites the core cast from the MTV reality series Jackass, including Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, and Steve-O, who perform a series of increasingly extreme and grotesque stunts, pranks, and challenges involving bodily harm, animals, and public humiliation. Produced by Tremaine, Spike Jonze, and Knoxville under Paramount Pictures, the film was shot in a documentary-style format without a traditional narrative plot, emphasizing raw, unscripted chaos to amplify the franchise's signature blend of humor and self-inflicted peril. Released on September 22, 2006, it grossed $72.8 million domestically and $12.5 million internationally, for a worldwide total of approximately $85.3 million against a $11.5 million budget, making it a commercial success. Critically, it holds a 66% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 101 reviews, with praise for its unapologetic absurdity and ability to deliver laughs through discomfort, though some noted its repetitive nature compared to the original. The film's unrated version, released on home media, included additional content too explicit for theaters, further cementing its reputation for pushing boundaries in gross-out comedy.

Background

Franchise origins

The Jackass franchise originated with the MTV television series Jackass, which premiered on , 2000, and was created by , , and . The show featured a group of performers engaging in pranks, dangerous stunts, and gross-out humor, drawing from the creators' backgrounds in culture and . This format quickly gained popularity for its raw, unscripted style that emphasized physical challenges and absurd comedy. The series' core themes revolved around male camaraderie, physical comedy, and boundary-pushing antics, which resonated strongly with young adult audiences seeking escapist entertainment through shared vulnerability and humor. These elements portrayed a form of ritualistic clowning that celebrated friendship amid self-inflicted chaos, appealing to viewers in their late teens and early twenties who identified with the group's irreverent take on masculinity. The humor's focus on endurance and collective absurdity helped define the franchise's niche in reality television. Following the success of the first theatrical release, Jackass: The Movie in 2002, which grossed $79.5 million worldwide on a $5 million budget, the franchise demonstrated its viability beyond television. This financial performance solidified the series' transition to cinema, where it could explore more extreme content. The original TV show had been canceled in 2002 after three seasons amid safety concerns, including copycat incidents among viewers that prompted regulatory scrutiny and advertiser backlash. The shift to films allowed the creators to bypass broadcast standards, enabling unfiltered depictions of the stunts without the restrictions of network television.

Development

Following the success of the original Jackass film in 2002 and related spin-offs such as Wildboyz, which premiered in 2003, Paramount Pictures and MTV Films announced the development of Jackass Number Two in 2005 to continue the franchise's momentum. The core creators—Johnny Knoxville, Spike Jonze, and Jeff Tremaine—drove key creative decisions, opting to escalate the scale of stunts for greater impact while incorporating international locations to integrate local cultures and environments into the pranks. This approach built on the franchise's themes of extreme humor by expanding beyond domestic settings to exotic global sites, enhancing the visual and comedic variety. The production budget was allocated at $11.5 million, a significant increase from the original film's $5 million, reflecting the anticipated demands of a larger-scale endeavor with more ambitious logistics and safety protocols. This funding allowed for the heightened production values, including travel and specialized equipment for the intensified stunts. Securing the return of the full cast presented challenges during pre-production, with some minor members unable to participate; Chris "Raab Himself" Raab was absent due to a personal falling out with Bam Margera, while Rake Yohn opted out for personal reasons and scheduling conflicts. Despite these hurdles, the primary cast recommitted, ensuring continuity for the sequel's core dynamic.

Production

Filming process

Principal photography for Jackass Number Two commenced on January 30, 2006, and concluded on June 23, 2006, spanning nearly five months of intensive shooting. The production was spearheaded by MTV Films, Dickhouse Productions, and Lynch Siderow Productions, which collaborated to manage the logistical challenges of capturing high-risk sequences across multiple sites. Filming took place in a range of international locations, including India, Australia, England, Moscow, and Argentina, alongside various domestic U.S. venues, to provide diverse backdrops that enhanced the stunt variety. Dimitry Elyashkevich served as the cinematographer, utilizing handheld digital video to deliver a raw, immersive aesthetic that immersed viewers in the chaotic energy of the performances.

Notable stunts and safety measures

Jackass Number Two escalated the franchise's signature blend of physical comedy and self-inflicted peril with stunts that incorporated advanced pyrotechnics, live animals, and mechanical contraptions, marking an evolution toward more complex setups compared to the first film. One of the film's opening highlights was the "Toro Totter," a teeter-totter apparatus where cast members like Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, and others balanced precariously, with the losing side dropped toward a charging bull in an enclosed arena, culminating in Knoxville being gored and tossed. This sequence exemplified the increased scale, relying on animal handlers to manage the bull's movements while ensuring controlled proximity to the performers. The "Anaconda Ball Pit" featured Knoxville, Ryan Dunn, and Wee Man diving into a massive pit of colorful plastic balls to wrestle and extract a live anaconda, resulting in panicked scrambles as the snake constricted around limbs and torsos. Animal specialists were on hand to supervise the reptile's handling, preventing bites while amplifying the stunt's visceral terror through the deceptive playfulness of the ball pit environment. Similarly, Bam Margera and Steve-O endured a "Cobra Challenge," locked in a small room with a king cobra slithering freely, their reactions captured as the venomous snake approached, underscoring the production's use of exotic animals under professional oversight to heighten authenticity. A standout mechanical feat was the "Big Red Rocket," where Knoxville was harnessed to a pyrotechnic rocket cart designed to launch him across a field at over 40 miles per hour, but a misfire caused the device to veer wildly, nearly decapitating crew members and slamming into Knoxville, who sustained bruises and whiplash. This stunt highlighted the film's reliance on custom-engineered props with explosive propulsion, coordinated by specialists to mitigate risks like structural failure. The "Riot Control Test" involved Knoxville, Margera, and Ryan Dunn being pelted by rubber bullets from a simulated crowd-control launcher at close range, producing welts and temporary incapacitation, with protective gear limited to minimal padding to preserve realism. Despite these elaborations, injuries were commonplace, including concussions from impacts like the bull sequence and fractures from falls, as Knoxville later detailed sustaining multiple head traumas during production. These protocols, refined from the prior film, aimed to balance spectacle with performer welfare amid the inherent dangers.

Cast and crew

Main cast

The main cast of Jackass Number Two features the core ensemble of performers who originated from the MTV television series Jackass (2000–2002) and returned from the first film, Jackass: The Movie (2002), each portraying themselves in a series of interconnected stunts, pranks, and sketches that amplify the franchise's signature blend of physical comedy and self-inflicted absurdity. This group, led by creator Johnny Knoxville, embodies distinct personas honed through the TV show and prior movie, focusing on escalating risks and humorous vulnerability without traditional narrative roles. Johnny Knoxville serves as the de facto leader and primary stunt coordinator, specializing in high-impact challenges that often involve direct bodily harm, such as testing riot gear or extreme sports mishaps, drawing from his foundational role in pitching the original concept to MTV. Bam Margera contributes as the resident prankster, frequently incorporating his family members into chaotic setups and reckless antics that highlight his rebellious, thrill-seeking edge. Steve-O stands out as the extreme risk-taker, pushing boundaries with grotesque and acrobatic feats like fire-related stunts or animal interactions, building on his background in clowning for maximum visceral impact. Chris Pontius brings exhibitionist humor through his recurring "Party Boy" character, involving nude or costumed escapades that add a layer of absurd, carefree levity to the group's endeavors. Jason "Wee Man" Acuña leverages his diminutive stature for height-contrast comedy, participating in wrestling-style tussles and skateboard gags that play on physical disparities. Dave England focuses on gross-out elements, executing stunts with bodily fluids or food-related revulsion, such as the infamous "Vomelet" sequence. Ryan Dunn handles high-speed and vehicular pranks, often involving crashes or chases that underscore his daredevil reliability within the crew. Preston Lacy embodies the "fat guy" archetype for physical comedy, tackling stunts that satirize body size through slapstick falls or endurance tests. Ehren McGhehey, known as "Danger Ehren," specializes in pain-tolerance pranks and wildlife-themed risks, frequently serving as the butt of the group's escalating torments. Together, these returning members maintain the franchise's democratic chaos, with no single actor dominating but each amplifying the collective's unscripted energy.

Guest appearances

The guest appearances in Jackass Number Two incorporated brief cameos from celebrities and family members, serving to inject novelty and crossover humor into specific stunts and pranks, thereby amplifying the film's anarchic and self-deprecating vibe. These one-off participants often engaged in the core cast's absurd challenges, broadening the movie's appeal beyond its regular ensemble while maintaining the franchise's emphasis on escalating absurdity. Notable celebrity guests included comedian Rip Taylor, who featured in the film's exuberant closing musical sequence, where he humorously toasts with a "Piledriver" cocktail. Animator and filmmaker Mike Judge made a brief appearance as himself. Actor Willie Garson made a cameo in the end credits, participating in a stunt that highlighted his resilience amid the group's antics. Additionally, actor Luke Wilson joined a deleted scene for the "Shock Phone" prank, where he endured an electric shock to the groin, later included in bonus features to extend the film's outrageous interactions. Family members of the cast also contributed to the familial chaos, with April Margera and Phil Margera—mother and father of Bam Margera—appearing in domestic pranks that played on their real-life dynamics, such as reactions to the crew's disruptive schemes at home. These appearances underscored the personal stakes in the stunts, blending authenticity with comedy. Minor stunt participants like Loomis Fall joined for specialized bits, including conceptual pranks that required additional performers to heighten the physical comedy. Musicians added to the film's eclectic energy, with rap group Three 6 Mafia featuring in outtake segments where they interacted with the cast during improvised challenges, later showcased in companion releases like Jackass 2.5. Such crossovers with bands exemplified how guests enhanced the movie's soundtrack-integrated mayhem, drawing in diverse audiences through shared cultural moments.

Key crew members

Jeff Tremaine served as the director of Jackass Number Two, marking his return to the role from the 2002 original film, where he guided the chaotic ensemble through increasingly elaborate stunts while preserving the franchise's raw, improvisational energy. The production was led by Tremaine alongside Spike Jonze and Johnny Knoxville, who collectively managed creative oversight, budgeting, and logistical coordination to ensure the film's unscripted, documentary-style format remained intact amid the high-risk sequences. Editing duties were shared by Seth Casriel, Matthew Probst, and Scott Simmons, whose work emphasized quick cuts and minimal polish to heighten the visceral impact of the stunts and maintain the series' handheld, vérité aesthetic. Dimitry Elyashkevich handled cinematography, employing mobile camera techniques to capture the action in real-time, contributing to the film's immersive, unfiltered portrayal of the performers' antics. Art direction fell to J.P. Blackmon, who oversaw set construction for stunt environments, while the sound team, including sound effects editor George Haddad and ADR facility supervisor Paulette Victor-Lifton, amplified the auditory chaos of impacts and reactions to enhance the stunt sequences' intensity.

Release

Marketing and promotion

The marketing and promotion for Jackass Number Two centered on leveraging the franchise's reputation for outrageous stunts to generate buzz among young male audiences, through a coordinated effort by MTV Films and Paramount Pictures. Trailers emphasizing the film's escalated pranks and physical comedy were released in summer 2006, with the first official trailer debuting on June 15 via MTV broadcasts, online platforms, and theatrical previews. These trailers highlighted high-risk sequences like animal encounters and bodily harm gags to underscore the sequel's intensified content compared to the original film. Tie-in events amplified pre-release excitement, including live stunt demonstrations by the cast at major MTV gatherings. At the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards on August 31, the Jackass crew performed a filmed stunt clip as part of the show, tying directly into the film's themes of reckless comedy. Branded merchandise, such as T-shirts featuring stunt imagery and promotional posters, was widely distributed through retail partners and event giveaways to extend the campaign's reach. Viral elements were integrated via online clips and television spots that focused on the film's gross-out moments, shared on MTV's digital properties and the official Jackass site to encourage user sharing among fans. TV spots aired in late August 2006, previewing chaotic scenes to target the core demographic. Paramount Pictures supported a broad theatrical rollout with R-rated "red-band" trailers, which included unedited explicit content unavailable in standard previews, distributed through theaters and MTV's video-on-demand service in a pioneering dynamic ad insertion trial with Sunflower Broadband. This VOD strategy allowed for real-time ad updates during the September 22 release window, enhancing targeted exposure on channels like Comedy Central On Demand.

Theatrical release and box office

Jackass Number Two had its world premiere in Los Angeles at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on September 21, 2006, followed by a wide theatrical release the next day, September 22, 2006, distributed by Paramount Pictures. The film opened at number one at the North American box office, earning $29 million in its first weekend from 3,059 theaters. This strong debut more than doubled the $22.8 million opening of the original Jackass: The Movie in 2002 and reflected effective marketing that built anticipation among fans. Overall, Jackass Number Two grossed $72.8 million domestically and $12.5 million internationally, for a worldwide total of $85.3 million against a production budget of $11.5 million. This performance delivered a robust return on investment, with the film recouping its costs on the first day of release alone and ultimately generating over seven times its budget in ticket sales. Internationally, it saw solid openings, including $1.8 million in Australia during its debut weekend and approximately £735,000 in the United Kingdom.

Reception

Critical reviews

Upon its release, Jackass Number Two received mixed reviews from critics, who generally appreciated its escalated humor while critiquing its repetitive and immature nature. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 66% approval rating based on 101 reviews, with an average score of 6.00/10; the site's consensus states that it is "better than any sequel to a movie of a television show has a right to be" and "dares you not to laugh," highlighting its bold comedic risks despite formulaic elements. On Metacritic, it scores 66 out of 100 from 23 critics, indicating generally favorable reception, with 74% of reviews positive and the rest mixed, reflecting divided opinions on its creativity versus reliance on familiar tropes. The New York Times praised the film's "reckless energy" and the cast's unbridled commitment to absurd, self-inflicted chaos that captures the thrill of youthful abandon. Variety commended the sequel for amplifying the stunts' scale and audacity beyond the original, calling it an "exuberantly distasteful" escalation of pranks, though it noted the absence of any meaningful narrative structure beyond the stunts themselves. Critics commonly lauded the strong camaraderie among the performers, which infused the antics with genuine laughs and a sense of camaraderie, as seen in Entertainment Weekly's observation that it remains "aberrantly beautiful" through its unpretentious group dynamic. However, many faulted the film for its immaturity and potential to encourage dangerous real-life imitation, with Rolling Stone describing it as "way dumber and grosser" than its predecessor, emphasizing the crude excess without deeper artistic merit.

Audience response and accolades

Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave Jackass Number Two an average grade of B+ on an A+ to F scale, signaling strong approval from theatergoers. The film earned a 7.0 out of 10 rating on IMDb from over 82,000 user votes, with fans frequently praising its faithful escalation of the franchise's chaotic, self-deprecating humor. Similarly, Rotten Tomatoes reports an 80% audience score based on more than 250,000 ratings, highlighting its appeal to dedicated viewers who appreciated the unfiltered stunts and camaraderie. In accolades, Jackass Number Two received a single nomination at the 2006 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards for Worst On-Screen Couple, shared by Jason 'Wee Man' Acuña, Ryan Dunn, Dave England, and Johnny Knoxville, a satirical nod to the film's over-the-top ensemble antics. Post-release, the movie sparked lively online discussions and fan events that reinforced its cult status among millennials, who embraced its raw, nostalgic vibe through forums, viewings, and merchandise revivals.

Music

Soundtrack album

The official soundtrack album for Jackass Number Two, titled Jackass Number Two: Music from the Motion Picture, was released on September 26, 2006, by Bulletproof Records as a CD compilation. The album features a mix of punk rock, heavy metal, hip hop, and alternative tracks totaling 48 minutes, blending licensed songs with non-musical dialogue clips from the cast to capture the film's irreverent and high-energy spirit. Produced as a tie-in product without an original composed score, it was curated to complement the movie's stunt-driven chaos through aggressive, adrenaline-fueled selections. Key highlights from the 23-track listing include "Gettin' F**ked Up" by Three 6 Mafia featuring Josey Scott, a new track created exclusively for the release; "Fuck The Pain Away" by Peaches; and "Spill The Blood" by Slayer, emphasizing the album's raw, rebellious tone. Other notable entries are "All My Friends Are Dead" by Turbonegro, "MF From Hell" by The Datsuns, and "Urban Struggle" by The Vandals, alongside humorous interludes like Johnny Knoxville's "I'm Going To The Moon" and Chris Pontius's "Karazy." These choices prioritize fast-paced, skate-punk influences that align with the franchise's anarchic aesthetic, avoiding slower or melodic material. The compilation received praise for its fitting mayhem, with reviewers noting how the skate rock and punk elements amplified the film's outrageous stunts without overcomplicating the listening experience. Dialogue snippets from performers such as Ehren McGhehey and Dave England add a layer of direct connectivity to the movie, reinforcing the album's role as an extension of the on-screen antics rather than a standalone musical work. The featured songs in Jackass Number Two are integrated directly into the film's stunts and sequences to heighten the comedic chaos and visual absurdity, with energetic rock and punk selections underscoring the physical comedy and rapid pacing. These tracks, often drawn from the punk and skate culture that influenced the cast's origins on MTV, create ironic contrasts or amplify the intensity of the gags, contributing to the movie's raw, unpolished energy. Licensing for the music blended major label releases from companies like Universal Music Enterprises and Interscope Records with indie and alternative artists, allowing the low-budget production to incorporate diverse cues without compromising its DIY aesthetic. A standout example is the opening bull chase, where the cast flees enraged bulls through a suburban neighborhood; Ennio Morricone's "The Ecstasy of Gold" (from the 1966 film The Good, the Bad and the Ugly) plays, infusing the reckless prank with epic, Western-style drama that mocks the stunt's peril. In the Anaconda ball pit sequence, Josie Cotton's 1984 new wave track "Johnny, Are You Queer?" accompanies the cast diving into a playground ball pit infested with constrictor snakes, its playful yet provocative lyrics enhancing the ironic discomfort and homoerotic undertones of the humiliation-based humor. The rocket-powered bike and ski attempts to jump a lake feature Wolfmother's 2005 hard rock song "Joker and the Thief," whose driving riffs and heavy guitars sync with the high-velocity failures, boosting the stunt's adrenaline-fueled slapstick. Additional non-album cues, such as Peaches' electroclash hit "Fuck the Pain Away" during various prank segments, add a rebellious edge that ties into the film's punk-inspired irreverence.

Home media and spin-offs

Physical releases

The DVD of Jackass Number Two was released on December 26, 2006, by Paramount Home Video, available in both R-rated and unrated editions. The unrated two-disc set includes the extended 93-minute version of the film, along with bonus features such as audio commentary tracks by director Jeff Tremaine and the cast, deleted stunts, behind-the-scenes featurettes on the making of the movie, and additional unaired segments. In its initial year, the DVD sold 1,652,623 units in the United States, ranking among the top-selling titles of 2006 and bolstering the franchise's financial success, with cumulative sales surpassing 3 million units. An international DVD edition launched in the United Kingdom on March 26, 2007, featuring an uncut version with similar extras tailored for regional distribution.

Jackass 2.5

Jackass 2.5 is a direct-to-video companion release consisting of approximately 64 minutes of unaired footage from the production of Jackass Number Two. Directed by Jeff Tremaine, it features outtakes, extended versions of stunts, and additional pranks that were not included in the theatrical cut, along with new material filmed subsequently. The film premiered online on December 19, 2007, via Jackassworld.com in a free streaming format with advertisements, marking the first major studio feature to debut digitally before physical release; it became available on DVD on December 26, 2007, through Paramount Home Video. The content emphasizes behind-the-scenes elements, including cast interviews where members like Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, and Bam Margera reflect on their experiences, injuries sustained during filming, and the reasons certain segments were excluded from the main film. Key segments highlight international footage shot in India, such as Steve-O vomiting during a stunt, Ehren McGhehey lying on a bed of nails, and interactions with a man holding the Guinness World Record for the longest fingernails, whom the cast engages in a beer-drinking prank. Other notable pranks include Preston Lacy dressed as King Kong terrorizing Wee Man on a porta-potty, Bam Margera launching a rocket toward his mother's house, and various gross-out gags involving bodily fluids and failed attempts at stunts. Reception among critics was mixed, with a 52% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on available reviews, praising the insight into the production process but noting its uneven quality compared to the theatrical film. Fan response was generally positive, viewing it as an essential supplement for enthusiasts due to the unrated extras and documentary-style interviews, which enhanced appreciation of the stunt work. The release performed solidly in home media, generating approximately $3.8 million in domestic DVD sales, contributing to the franchise's overall video revenue.

Legacy

Cultural impact

Jackass Number Two played a pivotal role in popularizing stunt-based reality comedy by expanding the DIY ethos of the original MTV series into feature-length filmmaking, inspiring subsequent television formats that emphasized physical pranks and group camaraderie. This influence extended to shows like Impractical Jokers, which adopted elements of hidden-camera pranks and escalating dares within a tight-knit ensemble, though without the same level of self-inflicted bodily harm. The film's raw, handheld digital video style democratized stunt comedy, paving the way for viral YouTube content where creators emulated the franchise's gonzo aesthetics to build online followings, as seen in the rise of prank channels post-2005. The film resonated with millennial audiences by capturing the ennui of suburban youth through acts of controlled rebellion, framing pain and absurdity as outlets for boredom in a risk-averse era. Academic analyses position Jackass Number Two within a tradition of "ritual clowning," where performers engage in contrarian, body-focused humor to subvert norms in a socially sanctioned manner, echoing ancient comedic practices while appealing to young men's innate risk-taking impulses. This resonance underscored a safe form of transgression, allowing viewers to vicariously experience boundary-pushing without real peril, solidifying the franchise's status as a millennial cultural touchstone. Among cinephiles, Jackass Number Two earned praise for its innovative use of digital video to revive silent-era stunt traditions, particularly through homages to Buster Keaton's physical comedy. The film's finale recreates Keaton's iconic falling-house gag from Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928), positioning the stunts as modern extensions of early cinema's emphasis on precise, perilous choreography over narrative. Critics noted this approach as a fresh reclamation of slapstick's documentary-like authenticity, blending low-budget immediacy with high-wire artistry akin to Keaton's era. The film's release sparked controversies over viewers imitating its dangerous stunts, leading to real-world injuries and prompting media warnings in 2006. Reports highlighted cases of adolescents suffering severe harm, such as burns and fractures, from replicating pranks without safety measures, echoing earlier incidents tied to the franchise. Organizations like Common Sense Media issued advisories emphasizing the irresponsibility of such content, urging parents to discuss the risks of emulation to prevent further accidents. These concerns amplified calls for disclaimers, which the film included to underscore that stunts were performed by professionals and should not be copied.

Sequels and franchise continuation

The immediate sequel to Jackass Number Two was Jackass 3D, released in 2010, which escalated the franchise's stunts by incorporating a 3D format to enhance the visual impact of the physical comedy and pranks. Directed by Jeff Tremaine and featuring returning cast members including Johnny Knoxville and the core crew, the film grossed $171.7 million worldwide on a $20 million budget, marking the highest-earning entry in the series at the time. Subsequent installments included Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa in 2013, a narrative-driven spin-off starring Knoxville as an elderly prankster alongside child actor Jackson Nicoll, which earned $151.8 million globally. The franchise continued with Jackass Forever in 2022, reuniting much of the original cast for high-stakes stunts after an 11-year hiatus, and the companion release Jackass 4.5 later that year, compiling unused footage from the production. These films maintained the core ensemble despite significant challenges, including the 2011 death of cast member Ryan Dunn in a car crash, which profoundly affected the group and led to tributes in subsequent projects. The franchise expanded beyond theatrical releases through TV revivals, such as the 2022 announcement of a new Jackass series for Paramount+, greenlit following the success of Jackass Forever and aimed at delivering fresh stunts in a television format. The series remains in development without a release date. International adaptations emerged, including early plans for a UK version in 2003 that sought to localize the gross-out humor for British audiences, though it faced development hurdles. By 2025, much of the Jackass catalog, including the original films and series, was available for streaming on Paramount+, facilitating broader global access to the content. Later entries in the franchise evolved toward more reflective tones, with Jackass Forever acknowledging the aging cast's physical limitations and paying homage to the high-energy physicality of earlier installments like Number Two, blending nostalgia with safer stunt variations to honor the series' roots. As of 2024, Johnny Knoxville has indicated early brainstorming for ideas toward a potential Jackass 5, though no official production has been announced.

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