Perhaps this is another movie that divides humanity into two groups: those who see stunt artists launching bikes, cars and their own bodies into the air and respond by pumping their fists, and those who, about a half-hour in, descend into bleak thoughts about bread and circuses and civilization.
Admittedly, there is a film technique of sorts: “stunt in real time, same stunt in slow motion.” There are talking celebrities, such as Johnny Knoxville of “Jackass” infamy, and Channing Tatum, who opine about “our relationship with fear.” Those whose instant mental riposte is “not to mention our relationship with common sense” are definitely not the target audience.
The members of the title troupe, who describe themselves as an “action sport collective,” seem like nice people, as exhibitionists go. Most display impressive levels of physical fitness, and they’re repeatedly referred to as “athletes.” It’s their hard luck that this movie is being released as the Olympics wind down. The contrast with the beauty and self-discipline seen for the past two weeks doesn’t exactly work to the advantage of “Nitro Circus.”