Why did 'Jackass 3D' top the box office?

The stunt film broke records, surpassing expectations with a $50-million opening weekend — and leaving critics searching for explanations

'Jackass 3D' features new stunts including flying port-a-potty
(Image credit: jackassmovie.com)

From flying through the sky to having alligators bite their nipples, the Jackass boys have pulled off quite a few stunts in the decade since their MTV show premiered. But last weekend, Johnny Knoxville and crew pulled off their biggest shocker yet: Shattering expectations with a $50-million opening weekend for their latest movie, Jackass 3D, the biggest October opening in Hollywood history. How did the "MTV-generated slapstick spectacle" do it? (Watch the Jackass 3D trailer)

It cleverly exploited 3D technology: Jackass is a "perfect fit for 3D," says Brandon Gray at Box Office Mojo. While other recent 3D flicks have made subtle use of the technology, Jackass 3D delivered big thrills, "outrageous things flying out of the screen... and a more immersive view of the stunts." That's a "lot of 3D bang for the buck," and a lot of bucks at the box office, when you account for the higher ticket price of 3D showings (which accounted for nearly 90 percent of the film's opening weekend business).

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