The newest film in the series is among the best

By JACOB ANDERSON — arts@theaggie.org

Content warning: Some of the topics discussed in this article may be sensitive to readers.

The fame of the first few “Jackass” movies seems quaint now. Besides presenting theatrical audiences with a smattering of events dangerous, crude and extraordinary, the films have strangely prefigured the type of content that would eventually prove to dominate large parts of the internet: gregarious personalities smashing one another in the nuts, electrocuting themselves or ambushing their portly parents with live alligators. Stuff of that sort. The antics that go around in a “Jackass” film resemble the type of thing that — in a less produced, organized form — might sit comfortably on YouTube alongside a view count in the single-digit millions.

It’s somewhat anachronistic to see one of these movies in theaters, then, two decades after their invention, in a world where its content has already borne another generation of itself online. It’s like seeing adult films in theaters well after the dawn of home video. And like vintage adult films, the primary difference between it and its internet children is that the former has a professional pretense: an opening scene to introduce the characters, a coherent logic of assembly, professional (or at least semi-professional) lighting, editing and directing. But in spite of that pretense, largely what people are coming to see is the “meat” — the intimate, embarrassing bodily interactions of performers willing to denude themselves for the world.

This comparison shouldn’t be misconstrued to suggest that “Jackass Forever” is pornographic. It’s (mostly) not, but there is something sort of instinctual or libidinal about how it’s enjoyed. When a cast member lets a wild animal bite their penis, the audience seizes in belly laughter that originates in parts of the brain that the conscious mind has no power over. That’s what it feels like, at least. This type of humor, which may as well be called “body humor,” bears little resemblance to the type of comedy one expects to see at a commercial theater and tends to elude intelligent discussion. After all, it’s difficult to sound smart when discussing the appeal of watching strangers drink glasses of pig semen. Whether it can be made intellectual or not, the appeal is indisputable: Few other movies come to mind after which, when leaving the theater, one hears complaints of facial soreness from laughing too much.

One ingredient that places “Jackass” in a position above the viral videos that share its core appeal is the fact that, despite its violent, often revolting nature, the series manages to pretty much avoid feeling mean-spirited. “Jackass Forever” in particular — despite some of the most heinous pranks and probably the worst on-screen injury in the series’ lifetime — makes every pointless danger and mutilation feel like a triumph and a celebration of the joy brought by the series hitherto. Helping to create this impression is the clear reverence with which the new cast members treat “Jackass,” brandishing tattoos of the iconic skull and crossed crutches and being heard just out of frame chatting about how excited they are to injure themselves for the film. One might be uneasy at hearing the news that younger faces have joined the crew (despite how justified the move is — just look at Johnny Knoxville’s completely white, wizard-like hair), but all the new additions prove worthy of the mantle.

And anyway, it’s not just the new cast members. The film itself is saturated with an almost religious energy. Everyone’s at the peak of their game; the stunts are more intense than ever before, despite all the returning stars hovering around 50 years of age — a dubious stage of one’s life to be getting hit in the nuts as a profession. The new film is no worse for the cast’s age, and in fact, this may be the best “Jackass” yet, with the possible exception of the second film.

Written by: Jacob Anderson — arts@theaggie.org

The Art Desk’s weekly picks for movies, books, music and television shows

By CORALIE LOON — arts@theaggie.org

Movie: “Harold and Maude” dir. by Hal Ashby (1971)

This little film, which first presents itself as a dark comedy, transforms into a soulful and unconventional romance that has earned its spot as one of my favorite films. Maybe it’s the joy of its soundtrack, made up entirely of Cat Stevens songs, or the lovability of Maude, an eccentric old lady who reminds me of the person I hope to be when I age. The simplicity of its plot and excessive on-the-nose-ness of its dichotomy between pessimism and optimism have drawn complaints from critics. However, the movie doesn’t claim to be big, flashy or structurally complex. It luxuriates in its smallness and its conviction to portray the capabilities (and limits) of human connection in a way that struck me as incredibly real. After watching this film, it’s hard not to feel inspired to live your best life. After all, Cat Stevens said it best: “If you want to sing out, sing out.”

Book: “After Dark” by Haruki Murakami (2004)

This is a lurid, dreamlike and eerie novel that slowly explores an array of characters in Tokyo, each who brings their own layers of darkness into the picture. As someone who was disappointed by how Murakami handled issues of sexual violence and misogyny in his 2002 novel “Kafka on the Shore,” “After Dark” felt like a welcome redemption. While many of the same themes are as clear and glaring as ever, Murakami embraces and acknowledges this darkness rather than glossing over it, sweeping the reader into a world that is purposefully chilling and leaves as much said as unsaid. While not his most popular piece of fiction, “After Dark” displays Murakami’s talent at bending reality and creating an atmosphere that is equal parts poetic and sensational.

Album: “Songs from the Sunroom” by Field Medic (2017)

Field Medic, the pseudonym for solo artist Kevin Sullivan, released his album “Songs from the Sunroom” in 2017. Since then, he has released two more albums, including his latest “Floral Prince,” which explores sobriety and self-healing, a contrast to the slightly darker themes of his earlier music. His songs, composed of a guitar base and unharmonized vocals, are a hybrid between folk and bedroom-pop, or perhaps “bedroom-folk.” The soft and muffled sound of acoustic guitar (and the occasional electric beat) invites a sense of nostalgia and solitude that complements the vulnerability of his lyrics. They are painfully honest poems that ruminate on loneliness, drug use and the spaces between desires and reality. Some songs, such as “do a little dope,” invite the audience to laugh and brush off the tediousness of life, while others dive deeper into his pain. “me, my gibberish, & the moon” is one such song with a powerful ending: “I stalk the streets alone now / just me, my gibberish and the moon / for I speak a different language / if I cannot speak with you.”

TV Show: “The Righteous Gemstones” (2019)

This unique dark comedy follows the lives of a wealthy family of “televangelists,” the Gemstones, who are famous for their over-the-top church service broadcasts. Filled with crime, spunk, excessive family drama and lots of love for Jesus, “The Righteous Gemstones” is a fresh and fun show that has captivated me and kept me on my (metaphorical) toes. Adam DeVine, Danny McBride and others deliver forceful performances as members of a family whose lives behind the scenes are not as glorious as they may seem. The show is currently in its second season and is available on HBO Max. 

Written by: Coralie Loon — arts@theaggie.org

Descriptions and reviews of various local food joints that offer vegan meat options

By SIERRA JIMENEZ — arts@theaggie.org

The rise of meat substitutes in the food industry has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years with options on many menus and shelved in most grocery stores. Stanford University Professor Dr. Patrick O. Brown, who founded the Impossible Food phenomenon, “wanted to make the global food system sustainable by recreating meat, fish and dairy foods, from plants, with a much lower carbon footprint than their animal counterparts,” as stated on the Impossible Foods website. 

Animal meat production uses about half of the world’s land resources, creates at least 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions and uses 25% of the world’s freshwater supply. By making meat out of plants, the use of the land, water and energy is reduced “so people can keep eating the foods they love, without harming the planet they love,” according to the Impossible website. 

In Davis, there are a variety of meatless meat options for those non-meat eaters out there who don’t want to miss out on the fun. I have tried an assortment of options available in the Downtown Davis area in hopes to help non-meat eaters (and meat eaters!) to pick their new favorite food spot. 

Ike’s Love and Sandwiches

Notorious for its eccentric choice of combinations to stuff in between two pieces of bread, Ike’s seems to never fail in popularity 一 or taste. Limiting myself to the “Sometimes I’m a Vegetarian” on a Dutch Crunch roll, I was hesitant to dip my toes into new territory from the overwhelming menu. How many odd combinations could Ike come up with? Over 500 sandwich combinations apparently! I played it safe with the “Meatless Mike,” which People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) considers the “best vegan meatballs in America.” I must admit, I am not well-acquainted with vegan meatballs (for it is quite the niche food category), but I can attest that these meatless meatballs exceeded my expectations. Compared to other meatless meats I have consumed, these meatballs actually looked like meat. They were fluffy and, well, meaty looking! Thick and texturous, these meatballs not only looked like they had substance but tasted the part as well. Although a little bland, the seasoning of fennel added a peppery spice to the beefy-looking vegan meatballs. Picking out the meat to taste it on its own, the texture ripped apart like real meat would. It had the gristly texture but with the satisfaction that it was not actually animal cartilage. In the completeness of the sandwich, the pepper-jack and banana peppers added to the spicy moistness of vegan meat. I would not only recommend these meatballs for those meat-less meat-eaters out there, but also the whole sandwich (I would hope that you’d go to Ike’s for the sandwich and not solely a meatball!)

Burgers and Brew

Parents weekend? Date night? Burgers and Brew is a hot spot to take the ‘rents or go out for a nice night out in Downtown. One of the more high-end food joints in Davis, their burgers may be a little pricey, but trust me, it’s worth it for their impossible burger. A “1/3lb vegan patty with roasted garlic and olive oil, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and vegan mayo on a sesame bun” — they sold me with the description. The moist, meat-y volume and substance, taste and texture is incredibly similar to a meat patty. It has the grainy, gristley texture red meat has, and has the dark grilled look of a barbequed patty. There are remnants of a smokey flavor and juicy tender deliciousness with every bite. This may be the best impossible burger I have ever tried. I had an extremely hard time finding critiques for this burger because of its remarkable resemblance to a real meat burger, so I would recommend it for those non-meat eaters who still miss the delicacy of meat. 

Burger Patch 

Allegedly, Burger Patch is known for being a vegan spin on classic fast-food joints with its “nostalgic taste,” and that description could not fit better. The Patch Burger looks like a classic McDonalds happy meal with its plastic-ey cheese and iceberg lettuce, but vegan! The signature Patch Sauce seeps into the sweet grilled onions, tomato, lettuce and patty making it messy and fun like good ol’ road trip fast food. The patty itself has a mushroom-ey taste with slight hints of smokiness from a grill and slightly spicy undertones. The patty is obviously fake meat just from looking at it, but it does have a similar texture to real meat. It does not taste like a garden burger, but more so like they wanted to make sure the consumer knew they weren’t eating meat. Not the best beyond burger I have ever had, but I think that is the point 一 fast n’ easy to go food. I also sampled the non-GMO Beyond Chicken tenders which surprised me to the fullest. They were golden brown crispy on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside. They remind me of the Trader Joe’s Chicken Drumellas, which I’m sure many meat-eating Davis folk have had at least once in their lifetime. The Beyond Chicken tenders left crumbs of breaded chicken stuck to my fingers to lick off like I did as a child. I also dabbled with a bac’n strip. Its appearance follows the suit of the fake burger meat and definitely does not resemble real bacon. It’s floppy and has a rubbery, oily texture, but has a nice hint of barbeque to cover the beyond meat blandness. While the bac’n did not exceed my expectations, the chicken was by far my favorite item on the menu. 

The Hotdogger 

For those vegetarians and vegans out there, maybe you’ve seen them at the Davis Farmers Market Saturday mornings or Wednesday evenings but were dissuaded because of the meat heavy content of a typical hotdog. But, do not fret. The Hotdogger partakes in popular culture and offers a Veggie Tofu Dog for those non meat eaters. Not to mention all of their buns are made vegan! The Veggie Tofu Dog can be as extravagant or minimal as you like with a variety of delicious toppings and condiment options (I personally added the Hawaiian Pineapple mustard and *chefs kiss*). The hot dog itself took me back to baseball games in my childhood, waving down the hot dog vendors in the stands for the simple deliciousness of sports food. The Veggie Tofu Dog has the illusion of a classic Oscar Mayer wiener we all know and love. The plastic-ey look and simple yet extremely satisfying taste paired with the classic combination of ketchup, mustard, relish, onions and tomatoes hide the tofu part of the tofu dog. By itself, it was not that different from a regular hotdog! If I were to not have known it was a tofu dog, I would have a hard time telling the difference from a regular meaty hotdog. The nostalgic tastiness of this Veggie Tofu Dog will send vegetarians and meat lovers alike into shock at the flavor of this hotdog. 

Written by: Sierra Jimenez — arts@theaggie.org