When it comes to "Jackass" and its various spin-offs, people either love them or hate them with a fiery passion. As for myself, I am a fan. I find the shows (and films) thoroughly entertaining. It's exciting to see thrill seekers like Bam Margera, Johnny Knoxville, and Steve-O perform stunts that most people in their right mind would never do. As a result, we (the viewer) get to experience these whacky, dangerous, and sometimes downright stupid acts safely at home or in the theater. One of the latest crazy "Jackass"-like projects titled "Ultimate Predator" features Manny "The Sharkman" Puig who gets a little TOO close to wild animals.

"Ultimate Predator" isn't simply a series of mad stunts ALA "Jackass." Instead, it's a documentary about the animal loving Manny Puig and the risk-taking photographer Mark Rackley as they encounter animals such as rattlesnakes, bears, and Hammerhead sharks. Throughout the film, viewers are treated to interviews with some of Manny and Mark's friends (including Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Chris Rackley, and Johnny Knoxville) who provide background/personal information about the two. You may think that both Manny and Mark are crazy and that they are aggravating animals, and you may be right. Going underwater without a scuba tank and holding your breathe for 5 minutes at a time and hand feeding sharks is certainly EXTREME. But, one can't say that their adventures are merely for a cheap thrill. Thanks to their efforts, people DO get a better understanding of the animal's behavioral aspects as well as get a better glimpse of the animals due to in-your-face underwater (and above water) photography. Mark's photography really makes the viewer feel as if they are riding or feeding a shark themselves, which is exactly what he set out to do. If we can't witness the exotic wildlife in person, we can at least see it on film. Note: If you are worried about the animals being hurt, don't be. Manny does not harm any of the animals nor does he do anything illegal.

The film is presented in letterbox. The interview portions of the documentary are poorly lit, but the sensational underwater photography more than makes up for it. The audio specifications are not listed, but the sound was as clear as can be for a low budget documentary.

* Photo gallery * "Wildboyz" trailer. Note: Check out this show if you enjoy "Ultimate Predator" or "Jackass." * "Ultimate Predator" trailer * Trailers for "The Best Of Deathmatch Wrestling Volume 1," "College Campus Chaos," "Valor Fighting: No Holds Barred," "Ghost Hunters Season 2 Part 1," "Ghost Hunters Season 2 Part 2," and "The Very Best Of Ghost Hunters Volume 2." * A music video by HDR for the song "Thailand." * 8 additional interviews with the likes of Steve-O and Manny Puig. * 4 deleted scenes titled "The Fame," "Shark Montage," "The Early Days," and "The Swamp."

"Ultimate Predator" is well worth watching for the stunning up-close-and-personal underwater photography. However, this isn't the type of documentary that will garner repeated viewings and thus isn't worth a purchase. Give it a rent.