The Ringer
2005
Action / Comedy / Sport

The Ringer
2005
Action / Comedy / Sport
Plot summary
Pressured by a greedy uncle and a pile of debt, lovable loser Steve Barker resorts to an unthinkable, contemptible, just-crazy-enough-to-work scheme. He pretends to be mentally challenged to rig the upcoming Special Olympics and bring home the gold. But when Steve's fellow competitors get wise to the con, they inspire him to rise to the greatest challenge of all: becoming a better person.
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLUMovie Reviews
Takes a premise that could've backfired, but masterfully uses it for humor and heart.
A day at the races
We watched this film with trepidation. The Farrelly brothers don't actually believe in subtlety. "The Ringer" has a cast of mentally challenged players; frankly one feared the worst. Well, as it turned out, this is not your typical movie by the masters of grossness. The direction was entrusted to Barry Blaustein and the writing to Ricky Blitt. While there is some grossness, as was perhaps expected, the makers are actually quite respectful of the people involved in the Special Olympics.
Don't get confused, this is a formula movie, or at least this is what the finished product feels like. The idea of Johnny Knoxville passing as one of the handicapped youths, sounded preposterous. Yet, Mr. Knoxville's performance is one of the reasons for watching it. The great Brian Cox is a hilarious presence as the uncle from hell. Lovely Katherine Heigl adds charm to the proceedings.
This is a fun film because it celebrates people that are less fortunate than the rest of us. They are all portrayed in a dignified manner.
all round funny and goof comedy
people who think this is a small minded movie and offensive need to get a life. This movie does not poke fun at disabilities, in fact it applauds those with special needs, the only character to be made to look stupid here is johnny Knoxville's character.
funny one liners, good acting and an all round entertaining comedy.
Just watch it u may be surprised, the plot isn't exactly brilliant the acting isn't Oscar winning but none of that matters, the film has heart and is very entertaining like most farrelly brothers movies with the exception of stuck on you.
well worth a watch