The lights are about to dim on the cinematic big screen, but it seems UK cinemas are relying more and more on rehashing the past rather than pushing creative boundaries. The latest 'greatest hits' film to hit theatres is the forthcoming fifth instalment of the Jackass franchise, Best and Last, which boasts a 25-year legacy of outrageous stunts. While new material from the cast is promised, insiders suggest that the movie will lean heavily on archive footage from previous films – sparking questions about what audiences are actually getting for their hard-earned cash.
This throwback approach echoes the 'greatest hits' album or TV clip show model, but in an era where fan-made compilations of Jackass stunts are freely available online at no extra cost, it's a bold move. Paramount Pictures, behind the Jackass franchise, has ambitious plans to churn out a minimum of 15 films in 2026, and a whopping 30-film slate post-merger with Warner Bros – fueling speculation that 'quick-fix' content is driving the decision.
The concept of compilation films isn't new to Tinseltown. In the pre-VHS era, cinematic compilations like That's Entertainment!, which kick-started in 1974, brought classic film scenes to life with help from Hollywood legends like Gene Kelly and Liza Minnelli. These nostalgic treats were a hit, but as home video revolutionised entertainment, even the most iconic compilation films – such as 1984's Terror in the Aisles – began to feel stale when audiences could access thousands of titles at their fingertips.
Fast-forward to today and while streaming services have made it easier than ever for studios to curate archival content, we're still seeing a glut of compilation films on UK cinema screens. Whether it's clips from popular kids' shows like Bluey or Peppa Pig