The Ringer Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Only a jackass would fix the Special Olympics
Special has been redefined.
This comedy is about two guys who decide to rig the Special Olympics to pay off a debt by having one of them, Steve (Knoxville), pose as a contestant in the games, hoping to dethrone reigning champion, Jimmy. Mentally-challenged high jinks and hilarity surely follow.
| Johnny Knoxville | Steve Barker |
| Brian Cox | Gary Barker |
| Katherine Heigl | Lynn Sheridan |
| Jed Rees | Glen |
| Bill Chott | Thomas |
| Edward Barbanell | Billy |
| Leonard Earl Howze | Mark |
| Geoffrey Arend | Winston |
| John Taylor | Rudy |
| Luis Avalos | Stavi |
| Leonard Flowers | Jimmy |
| Zen Gesner | David Patrick |
| Steve Levy | Steve Levy |
| Alcides Dias | Michael |
| Mike Cerrone | Paulie |
| Barry W. Blaustein |
5.80 out of 10 (6264 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Worthless
posted on 28 Aug 2009This movie was simply horrible. There were no redeeming qualities about it - the sensitive representation of the mentally and physically challenged notwithstanding. Johnny "Jackass" Knoxville is Not funny, nor is this movie, and in the few instances where actual acting was required, watching him was like (but not as enjoyable as) watching a train wreck. This is another movie that I should have taken out my money, thrown it on the ground, sprayed some lighter fluid on it and cried out "Flame on!" Brian Cox was horrible - it's pathetic that he's got to take a role like this just to make money. The only thing that possibly could've made the movie more interesting didn't occur (so I won't comment on that any more), but the bottom line was that this movie was not funny (at all) and that was all it had to offer from the outset. This movie was krap.
Very cute, light hearted comedy *SPOILER*
posted on 26 Aug 2009I had low expectations walking into this film, but went because it was better than the other movies being shown at the theater that day. I don't really care for "Jackass"-Johnny Knoxville's MTV "Don't try this at home" show. That being said, I liked Knoxville's character, Steve (aka Jeffy). He's out to win the Special Olympics, although he's not "Special". His intent is good-natured (really-he's very likable and sincere) He learns about humanity and the capacity for love and friendship. The "Special" athletes catch on to his "fake" disability, and the athletes become empowered - above and beyond hold their own in this movie. You don't walk away feeling bad for the "Special" athletes, that they were taken advantage of or anything. This shines that they are just as witty, creative and resourceful as the next person. In no way does this resemble the TV show "Life Goes On". It's very comical and entertaining. I'd definitely go see it again!
Were're going to Hell for this aren't we?
posted on 25 Aug 2009That's what I thought when I went to see this with my wife, but we were both so supprised by this movie that we saw it two more times. Yes it has a very basic formula dealing with moral redemption, but it also is very heartwarming and very funny. Sure all the special kids had the best lines, thats what made it work, you could tell every one had a blast making the movie, and that made going to the movie three times worth it. The movie is totally redeeming and uplifting, one of the few movies to make you happy from the begining to the end.
This Movie Is Great For Special Olympic Athletes!
posted on 18 Aug 2009As Head of Delegation for a Special Olympic Texas team who has athletes featured in this movie, I have to take exception with the concept of assuming the athletes are being teased and made fun of in this movie. I spent most of 3 months on the set watching the filming 2 years ago and I know how very carefully Special Olympics International has watched the development of this movie. They have been involved in every aspect of this movie, from script development to final product. I also know how very careful Special Olympics is with putting their seal of approval on projects. They simply do not endorse ANYTHING, yet they are completely and 100% behind this movie.I have seen the movie and can't wait to take every member of my team. Many of them have seen the movie and indeed are in it. At the premiere in Austin December 6 my athletes were howling with laughter and having a great time. While I will admit that Johnny Knoxville, the Farrelly Brothers and Special Olympics do not seem to make the best mix in the world, this works. And it is a beautiful movie. There are a few dirty words (like Forrest Gump) and a few tasteless jokes, but it is screamingly funny and has worlds of heart. The athletes are always, ALWAYS treated with the utmost respect. Unlike most movies about the mentally handicapped, there are major parts in this movie played by genuine special Olympic athletes, and they used some 200 special Olympic extra's. This was a labor of love, on both sides of the camera. It deserves to be viewed and respected. The producers had a vision of bringing to life and light the fact that mentally challenged people are well rounded and enjoyable people. They did it beautifully. Go see the movie and laugh with all your heart.
Not what it looks like at first!
posted on 13 Aug 2009I have a beloved mentally retarded brother. Not only do I love him but the whole town does! I am sure the current leadership in Washington would rather that he were deleted though. The first part of "The Ringer" makes you think that the producers have gone in with the Gods in Washington and are going after the handicapped. After you stay with it, though, you get a really good idea about what life is like from these guys' perspective. This movie was a sleeper - no doubt. If it was a different them, some gripping tale about two special needs males in love with each other or something along those lines, we would have heard about it in heartwarming tomes endlessly. This movie is a pure delight and makes you stop and think that the ones who Al Gore blithely refers to when picking on conservatives (remember "extra chromosome right wing") are people too! I'm glad that they did this because my brother and his brethren make this world a much better place with their pure happiness, positive outlook on life and friendliness toward the "extra chromosome challenged". Go see it! It is a hoot!
To much heart
posted on 12 Aug 2009This movie has too much heart in it and not enough funny. Why do comedies always do this? They start off with a bang and then slowly begin trying to make a point and trying to make you feel sad. IT'S A COMDEY, BE FUNNY DERNIT! I was very disappointed to see the golden egg of Knoxvilles career descend into the muck and mire of this film. He was upstaged by the mentally challenged kids. I though they were funnier to be honest. He was sappy, patronizing, and love sick. JUST BE FUNNY!Why does Hollywood have to always turn the comedy in this direction. Am I seriously supposed to root for this man? My vote is based on whether this movie was funny and my vote is a 4.
it's a hard subject to tackle...
posted on 10 Aug 2009Steve Barker works in a stable office job, though lacks a lot of confidence, wanting to boost his career. When his boss tells Steve to fire Stavi the janitor, he hasn't the heart; giving Stavi a job of moving his lawn. Stavi accidentally cuts his fingers off with the lawnmower, but doesn't have the health care cover to fit the bill, ending in Steve's head. His Uncle also in financial debt with betting, comes to the idea of Steve entering the Special Olmypics. Unwillingly Steve enters and the con is on.When a film maker tries to tackle a touchy subject such as the Special Olympics, you can either call them brave or stupid. With the Farrelly brothers as producers, the mentality that you are in capable hands shows; as they have tackled touchy subject matter of late; conjoined twins and obesity. Screen Writer Ricky Blitt and Director Barry W. Blaustein tread the area lightly, keeping it safe and P.C. as possible; this is it's major flaw.The dark humour in The Ringer is touched upon lightly, not sending out the punches it needed. The subversive humour needed to bring it head out more often, as The Ringer lacks a lot of jokes, constantly pulling the same strings; if your going to take this subject on, go for broke. Though Barry W. Blaustein has done a great job, at no point does this feel condescending. The Ringer draws out its message genuinely about the handicapped; 'normal' people placing them in a world of can't and not treating them as equals.But the ultimate problem is that The Ringer is to predictable. Steve falling for Lynn, one of the volunteers. When Steve's cover is blow his room mates help him to win the competition. The Ringer drowns itself in to much sentimentality. The romance between Steve and Lynn is hammy and not really believable.Use to acting in stupid manners in Jackass, Johnny Knoxville actual looks uncomfortable, bringing a bland performance. Brian Cox over blows as Uncle Gary. The real stars are the people playing the special performers. They comprise of people with actual disabilities and actors, and they just steal the show every moment they're on.The Ringer could have been a lot more, but it was hard not to walk away with some guilty laughs.
Movie was quite good!
posted on 31 Jul 2009Although I dislike Johnny Knoxville, he performed his part in this movie very well. If you like some slapstick humor of falling down, and enjoy the occasional pun or nonsensical saying, then you'll love this movie to death! The movie was quite clean considering what it could have been, so if you base movies off of that its pretty good. 2-3 times you'll definitely hear a swearword... overall there's probably a total of 8-10 (but minor ones that slip in without too much notice). There is also a good moral at the end of the movie and overall, throughout the movie... If you don't want to think then the moral is as follows: Teamwork/Cooperation as well as Tell the Truth... and of course my personal favorite: there is only black and white, there is no gray area. But overall it was quite funny and entertaining. If you want a good laugh, you'll laugh at least once or twice pretty hard in this movie. Definitely two thumbs up!
I'm quite disappointed
posted on 29 Jul 2009I went in to The Ringer with high hopes that it would be a classic laugh out loud Johnny Knoxville movie but no it was terrible.Not funny at all,if you've seen the trailer than you've seen everything that is "funny" in the film.The story had so much potential to be funny but it seemed like more of a love story than a typical Knoxville movie.There was more romance than comedy which angered me seeing as it was Chick Flick like romance.Johnny played an OK part but the movie hardly revolved around the special Olympics storyline and just kept going on and on with the love story.Then again some may like this seeing as people tend to like romance/comedies like Serendepity or Hitch if you enjoy that sort of thing than I recommend this film.To anyone like me who expected crude laugh out loud comedy like that of movies like,Eurotrip,Duece Bigelowe,American Pie,and Bad Santa I warn you stay far away from The Ringer.You will be let down.You will be disappointed.Stay away.
from a special o coach
posted on 23 Jul 2009i'm a special olympics coach, and i have to say the film is HILARIOUS!!! i took one of my kiddos to see it, and she loved it. there was a bunch of really inappropriate stuff, but luckily there was no one in the theater so i could talk to her and ask her if she understood, and most of the "adult" humor went over her head. i'd probably preview it before i let an athlete see it, though. i definitely know a bunch of kids who can handle it, and a bunch that can't. it's gonna be case by case. there were some rough parts as far as me wanting to throw my candy at the screen, but they showed a lot of what i was hoping they'd show about my kiddos. hopefully this will open a lot of people's eyes to these types of kids and how bright and fun and wonderful they really are. by the way, props to mr. knoxville for directing media to ask questions to his co-stars. i know how you feel, you have no clue how many waitresses i have to tell that my kids can order for themselves!!!
Not very good
posted on 07 Jul 2009As my friend above said, The Ringer is not a great comedy but what it does do is make you question your outlook on people with impairments. The director didn't mean for this to happen, I honestly think that he thought he was making a great comedy, but what he has made is a social commentary that lacks any grace or real wit. If you come away from this movie with one thing it is not going to be laughter or happiness, well, it certainly wasn't for me.... I can only judge the film by the (lack of) laughter factor from the assembled audience, if one person laughed out loud the whole cinema was turning around to see who it was, which was funny in itself. The characters are dishevelled and poorly acted, the plot is meaningless and the dialogue is so poor that I was tempted to ask the sound guy to turn it down so that I could do my own lines over the top (although the cinema audience might not of found that very funny either!). All In all The Ringer should be going straight to DVD hell, it is not worthy of your ten bucks (or seven pounds) and neither is it worthy of your four bucks DVD rental charge. I can imagine the bargain bucket bins at Blockbuster being full of this film when it is sent to video and hopefully there it shall lay to rest for all of eternity!
this movie is horrible
posted on 01 Jul 2009oh my gosh! this movie definitely is not worth seeing. i was actually pretty excited about seeing this film. then after it was over i was upset that i wasted my time and money on it. during the movie i even pulled out my cell phone and started playing games on it because i was that bored. I'm just saying you might not want to waste your time on this. oh and johnny knoxville is just better on shows such as jackass. he should have not been picked in this movie. i mean if you like watching mediocre movies then this is definitely your pick, but if you want a satisfactory movie where you come out after wards commenting on how great it was then this movie might not be for you.
Uneven, Well-Meaning Comedy
posted on 24 Jun 2009Although I'm not a big fan of Johnny Knoxville, I have to admit that I admired the effort that he, Brian Cox, Katherine Heigl, and the many Special Olympians put into this flick. The story is farfetched, but manages to work as a comedy. Knoxville's uncle (Cox), has run into trouble with his bookie. Knoxville, hoping to be a good Samaritan, hired the janitor he was told to fire as the lawnkeeper at his apartment complex. He lies to the janitor and tells him that he'll have insurance. Of course, the man cuts off two of his fingers and Knoxville takes him to the hospital. Without any real insurance, Knoxville has to come up with the money to pay for the surgery to re-attach his friend's fingers. He and Cox come up with a plan to rig the Special Olympics and bet against star Olympian Jimmy to win the games. It sounds flawless, right?
Knoxville doesn't expect some of these athletes to be as good as they actually are. They figure him out as a fake but use him to their advantage against the cocky Jimmy. Knoxville also falls for one of the volunteers at the game (Heigl), and has to figure out how he can reveal the truth behind her boyfriend AND convince her to fall for him instead.
Great care is taken to avoid any slighting or insults of the Olympians. Some of the characters are played by actors without disabilities, especially a couple of the key athletes. The rest of the cast does a brilliant job and are actually funnier than Knoxville.
The Farrelly brothers produced "The Ringer," but it lacks a lot of the bite that you find in other films that they've had a hand in such as "Stuck On You" and "Something About Mary." It's a solid effort, but I can't give it a very high recommendation. Four stars to the Special Olympics and their actors who participated in this one, but only three stars to the film as a whole.
Some laughs and much respect
posted on 23 Jun 2009"It is in the comprehension of the physically disabled, or disordered . . . that we are behind our age . . . . Sympathy as a fine art is backward in the growth of progress . . . ." Elizabeth Stuart Phelps The Ringer is worth seeing just to figure out how a comedy centered on The Special Olympics could even be made, much less supported by the organization. I was pleasantly surprised—there are some laughs and muchrespect where condescension could have been the comic device.Johnny Knoxville's Steve is in a nowhere job, when he gets into a situation that demands a considerable sum of money. His shady uncle Brian Cox devises a plan to have Steve enter the Olympics as a special needs person in order to throw over the reigning champ and thereby cause considerable gambling winnings. The situation requires Knoxville's Steve to become "Jeffy" and walk carefully between humor and extreme political incorrectness. He succeeds by underplaying gags and lightly sprinkling the sweetness.Of course, there's Steve's love interest, Lynn (Katherine Heigl), with whom the scenes sometimes stretch too long. But the moments with his handicapped buddies are alive with warmth, self effacement, and wisdom enhanced by the problematic notion that special people shouldn't be smart but are. Herein lies the essential irony of the premise: The humor is too often grounded on our preconceived notion that disabled people can barely utter a sentence. Does the humor of their actually uttering bright thoughts come from that prejudice? In order to accept the premise that special people can be funny because of their disabilities, I had to suspend an automatic reaction against the inherent incorrectness.A moment showing how truly inspired this comedy could have been occurs when Steve trains to become "Jeffy." He's watching videos that include Rain Man, I am Sam, and The Best of Chevy Chase. The last video raises the immortal observation that the inmates are sometimes saner than their captors.
How can you watch this?
posted on 19 Jun 2009I recently saw the ringer. It was horrible. I am a comedy fan and can handle humor. However, my family is a big supporter of the special Olympics and programs that help people who have mental and physical disabilities- this was disgusting. The idea of somebody rigging the special Olympics is disturbing. It is insulting and rude to play on the true hardship and struggles of these people for humor. I am not saying for anyone to not see the movie but if you are going to support this film in making it a success you are simply encouraging people to continue this harassment and you are encouraging people to try and pull off this stunt. So please before you see this movie remember that one of those Olympians could be one of your kin and if you are willing to support this I sincerely hope that you feel like dirt afterwards and I hope you have the opportunity to experience the challenges of being mentally handicapped or have this sort of thing brought so close into your life and into your family.
Lord, Have Mercy.
posted on 26 May 2009The Ringer is a film that tries to be silly and sentimental at the same time and because its going one way then the other, it's not at all completely satisfying.This film has moments - moments of major stupidity, very light humor, very light heart. But it's all over the place. Up and down. Not quite uneven, but not quite con-jointed either. I'm not going over the story again, many others have already done that, but the gist of it is that an office worker gets talked into entering the special Olympics to pay off debts associated with him, and one incurred by a gambling family member.I guess if you're going to do a film with a theme of a healthy person trying to win a Special Olympics you only have two choices: raunchy, side splitting comedy or all heart. The middle ground loses something. At points you feel the film wants to "go there" but then pulls back so that it doesn't "offend". I say, "offend" or...be completely heartwarming. This film suffers from "political correctness" because honestly, who WOULD want to pay to see a completely healthy person fix a Special Olympics.As I watch films like "Animal House", "American Pie", "There's Something About Mary", etc., those films had that "edge" - slob/raunchiness that just made you fall in love with them and you are able to watch over and over and laugh at things you know you're snot supposed to laugh at. This film is lacking what those films had. Try again.
better than most Spike Lee movies
posted on 21 May 2009I saw Spike Lee's MIRACLE AT ST ANNA and then THE RINGER the next day on TV. THE RINGER is pretty much mindless light entertainment fare not the cinematic work of art you may have been led to believe. It stars Johnny Knoxville who is used to performing with mentally challenged people. He plays a guy that pretends to be "special" so he can compete in the Special Olympics and win. This is kinda hard actually. Of course the premise is absurd. An especially funny moment is when he's outed by the special athletes he's staying with. The real life disabled people that star in the movie were funny and I guess it's OK to laugh when everybody laughs. Bottom line: I'll take a movie like this over MIRACLE AT ST ANNA and most Spike Lee films any time. (WHEN THE LEVEES BROKE was good. So was THE 25th HOUR.)
A Despicable Movie
posted on 28 Aug 2009Despicable is really the only word which can be used to describe this movie. People might defend it by saying that they portray the handicapped athletes in a favorable manner, which is partly true in comparison to some of the other characters, but there is no getting around the fact that the movie makes jokes about mentally retarded people. The movie makers want the viewers to laugh when they see a retarded person slap himself in the chest or say something stupid or do something stupid, and that is wrong on so man different levels. I am not a "worried mother". I am a 16 year old boy, who this movie is targeted to and even I can see how mean spirited it is. The makers think they can make jokes about retarded people, claim it was in good fun and think they can get away with it. Wrong. But, even once you look beyond this despicable aspect, the movie still isn't funny. There are a few small good jokes they make, but that is the extent to which this movie has any enjoyable aspects. Avoid at all costs.