TV Review: Wildboyz
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that in this show,
Jackass alums Steve-O and Chris Pontius explore the wild
in countries from Australia to Belize. While there, they
indulge in the hijinks they're best known for, including
running around scantily clad and involving animals in their
"stupid human tricks." Adults who have the sense not to try the
stunts for themselves (and don't mind watching people painfully
make idiots of themselves) may get some laughs, but for kids --
and animal lovers -- this is pointless shock TV.
Families can talk about animal rights. Why do some people treat
animals cruelly? How do animals' rights differ from country to
country? Do you think the guys' behavior on this show qualifies
as animal cruelty? If so, how do they get away with it? Also,
what do you think drives people to do stunts like these, when
they'll most likely get hurt and at the very least end up
looking like complete fools? Families can also discuss the
difference between daring and bad taste. Where do you draw the
line?
In WILDBOYZ, a pair of stunt-loving friends travels the world exploring the wilderness and acting out scenarios that usually involve the exploitation of the animals they encounter there. Jackass alums Steve-O and Chris Pontius star in this gross-out stunt-fest in which they travel to different exotic locations and interact with the wildlife they find there. But make no mistake: These guys aren't on a learning expedition, they go for laughs -- and shock value -- by goading wild animals to participate in their idiotic scenarios. In one segment, for example, the pair and their team set up a hammock with pieces of meat dangling from it, then watch as hungry tigers swat at the netting in which the stars are cradled. In another, they lie in a pig sty wearing only underwear and cover themselves in feed, which the pigs then gobble up (then, naturally, Steve-O decides to suck on one of the pig's teats).
Many of the creatures that Steve-O and Pontius provoke (from snakes to lions and sharks) are deadly, and each stunt aims to be more outlandish than the last. All will probably be too much for sensitive viewers (or passionate animal lovers) -- even those with stomachs of steel may find themselves grossed out occasionally. Bottom line? Prepare yourself before tuning in, and be ready to turn the TV off if things get too twisted for comfort.
Dane Cook's Tourgasm
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