Nitro Circus: The Movie

NITRO CIRCUS: THE MOVIE

For a movie featuring death-defying stunts, Nitro is somewhat tedious

2012: Arc Entertainment

2012, Stunt Movie, Rated PG-13

Distributed by Arc Entertainment

          You'll realize a little ways into Nitro Circus: The Movie that it isn't a movie at all. What the Jackass guys did so well with three successful movies, Nitro Circus fails at horribly. What I got out of the Nitro Circus movie is that they really want you to go see their bigger, better, and more expensive live show. The whole film honestly felt like promotional material for the live show. The Jackass movies are like the show only with a bigger budget and an R-rating. The Nitro Circus movie is totally different. Although I applaud them for trying something new, the result is slightly underwhelming.

          The movie starts with a way-too-long opening sequence that introduces the audience to each member of the Nitro Circus crew. There is a narrator spitting out unfunny commentary about each person. Then it heads into discussion of the Nitro Circus live show in Las Vegas. Throughout the film, between stunts, it cuts back to "1 hour until showtime" and then "30 minutes until showtime" and then "15 minutes until showtime" and finally "showtime". They felt it necessary to remind us that they are now doing a live show and that it is much more spectacular than the TV show or the movie you just paid to watch. I really didn't like this aspect of the film.

          Having said that, Nitro Circus: The Movie is something worth your time. If you like the show then stop reading this and go see the movie. It's sort of like the show but with a bigger budget and bigger stunts. What's missing from the show is the humor and spontaneity. The show is funny. The movie tries to be as funny but everyone appears to be trying too hard, like they were all thinking that they needed to be extra funny because it was a movie this time. The movie feels drained of the formula that seemed to work so well in the show.

          What's great about the movie is the stunts and the 3D. Although there are less stunts than there should be, they are bigger and more dangerous this time around. Some are funny and stupid while others are impressive and actually took extreme sport talent. There was a good balence of the two kinds of stunts. The only problem is that there should have been more. The movie takes too much time in between to explain some back story for some character or something involving the live show. I just wanted to see Nitro Circus on the big screen and I guess I got that, just not the way I expected it. 

          Nitro Circus: The Movie is a must-see if you've ever enjoyed the show. I was thoroughly entertained but there was definitely something missing. I think people who are unfamiliar with the show will not be able to disregard that missing "something". The movie felt sort of cheap: it's like a giant advertisement for the live show in Vegas. It's entertaining and adrenaline-pumping but it undeniably feels like it could have been so much better.

          Side note: The only thing that saves this movie from being made-for-TV is the 3D aspect. It's the only reason you should view it in the theater. They utilized the technique very well so a trip to the big screen may be in order if you want to get all you can out of the Circus.

          Another side note: There are some great interviews sprinkled throughout the film with the likes of Johnny Knoxville and Rob Dyrdek. These candid interviews provided the heartiest laughs.

          The last side note: Where the *beep* is Andy Bell for this movie? He was nowhere to be seen, nor was he even mentioned.