Johnny Knoxville, renowned for his self-inflicted pain experiments, has ventured into new territory with "Action Point." Unfortunately, this comedy falls short of the brilliance of his previous work in the "Jackass" franchise. While the premise seems promising, the execution is lackluster and fails to capture the essence of what made Knoxville and his friends so entertaining.
Inspired by the infamous and perilous "Action Park" in New Jersey, which closed due to countless injury lawsuits, "Action Point" aimed to recreate the spirit of that dangerous amusement park. It should have been a wild ride, filled with Knoxville and his crew enduring outrageous stunts in a hazardous playground. However, the film falls flat in delivering the expected entertainment and nostalgia.
The mishap seems to have occurred when someone decided that "Action Point" should try to be a serious film rather than embracing the simplicity and unbridled fun of its predecessors. Set in the late 1970s, the movie attempts to pay homage to a time when comedies thrived without relying on franchises or flashy effects. Knoxville clearly longs for that bygone era, but the end result fails to capture the joy of either the old-school comedies or the irreverent YouTube era.
The plot revolves around Knoxville's character, D.C., an aging man reminiscing about his glory days at Action Point while babysitting his granddaughter. The film introduces the potential for a heartwarming story about reconciliation between father and daughter, but it never fully explores this aspect. Instead, the screenplay relies heavily on repetitive scenes that desperately try to hide the fact that "Action Point" should have just been a "Jackass" movie. The jokes fall flat, and the attempt to incorporate storytelling elements feels forced.
While Knoxville's commitment to performing his own stunts is commendable, the director fails to capture the raw appeal of his daredevil acts. The meticulously structured narrative and conventional film techniques clash with the chaotic and DIY nature of Knoxville's previous work. The result is an unsatisfying blend of pain and fakery that leaves viewers craving the authenticity and pure spectacle that made Knoxville a household name.
The film's lack of authenticity is evident in the staging of the stunts themselves. Knoxville's character suffers through various painful mishaps, such as evading an alcoholic bear and testing a catapult, but these scenes lack the visceral impact of his previous endeavors. They feel scripted and artificial, diluting the essence of Knoxville's unique brand of comedy. Even the most cringe-worthy moments are relegated to the background, further detracting from the film's potential.
Ultimately, "Action Point" feels like a missed opportunity to celebrate Knoxville's legacy as a pioneer of self-inflicted pain for entertainment. Instead of embracing the inherent absurdity and embracing the pain, the film tries to distance itself from it, resulting in a lackluster and contrived experience.
In conclusion, "Action Point" is a disappointing departure from Johnny Knoxville's previous triumphs. It falls short of capturing the raw energy and hilarity that made his "Jackass" series so popular. While Knoxville's commitment to performing his own stunts is noteworthy, the film fails to strike the right balance between storytelling and chaotic entertainment. It's a regrettable night at the movies that leaves viewers longing for the golden age of genuine comedy.
Grade: D-
"Action Point" is currently showing in theaters.
Image: "Action Point" by Paramount Pictures Photo credit: Sean Cliver
