NEW YORK (OSV News) – For all its obvious puerility, the success of the "Jackass" franchise, which might be described as a quarter-century-long circus of organized stupidity, bears some analysis. What exactly is the appeal of its blend of masochistic chaos and self-debasing exhibitionism?

In a society that offers, by historical standards, a high level of physical safety and yet is a spiritual wasteland, perhaps even pain and humiliation are valid alternatives to endless boredom. Hang out at the mall yet again or do something unpleasant to your -- or better yet, your buddy's -- private parts? It's one way to evade ennui.

Add to that the apish, predominantly male, instinct that makes hazing a perennial problem and maybe the formula is complete. Whatever the explanation, with the advent of "Jackass: Best and Last" (Paramount) the sophomoric spectacle that began as an MTV series in 2000 concludes its big-screen run in lamentably characteristic style.

There is, admittedly, the occasional flash of genuine wit. Hiding in the trees beside a golf course and letting off an air horn just as players are teeing off, while childish and inconsiderate, is at least funny in an Allen Funt, "Candid Camera" sort of way. So, too, is the semi-violent reaction of some of the enraged golfers. Additionally, it's a stunt that might appear in a G-rated movie.

Not so most of the other pranks carried out under the direction of "Jackass" veteran Jeff Tremaine and supervised by onscreen ringmaster Johnny Knoxville. They're based on behavior that aims to evoke sniggers from the audience but that will strike sensible moviegoers as too repellant to amuse. Some easily dispensed life advice: Keep clear of overturned porta potties.

This long-overdue hasta la vista is, overall, a deeply degrading experience for viewers of any age.

The film contains strong adult content, including revolting scatological humor and full male nudity played for laughs, several uses of profanity, numerous milder oaths, pervasive rough and much crude language and obscene gestures. The OSV News classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.- - -CAPSULE REVIEW"Jackass: Best and Last" (Paramount)The organized stupidity that began as an MTV series in 2000 concludes its big-screen run in lamentably characteristic style. The occasional flashes of wit in a series of stunts and pranks directed by franchise veteran Jeff Tremaine and supervised by onscreen ringmaster Johnny Knoxville are more than overwhelmed by masochistic chaos and supposedly comic exhibitionism. A deeply degrading experience for viewers of any age. Strong adult content, including revolting scatological humor and full male nudity played for laughs, several uses of profanity, numerous milder oaths, pervasive rough and much crude language, obscene gestures. The OSV News classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.- - -CLASSIFICATION"Jackass: Best and Last" (Paramount) -- OSV News classification, O -- morally offensive. Motion Picture Association rating, R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.- - - John Mulderig is media reviewer for OSV News. Follow him on X @JohnMulderig1.