The Ringer (2005)

That was an excellent one.

Sick Product of a Sick System

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Didn't like it. People with special conditions do other thing besides stating their name loudly and saying random things every time they meet someone. I don't think this movie ever gets to be offensive, it's just not funny. Johnny Knoxville is no actor and Katherine Heigl is certainly not going to be remembered for her dramatic skills either. The plot is no shakespearean drama either. If you are looking to kill some time maybe this could be a good choice but it doesn't go beyond that. The jokes are rather repetitive and all circle around the same issue. And finally, if you have ever met a mentally challenged person and saw this movie you would get rather angry that they just portrayed them in such a simplistic manner.

I reluctantly started watching this on TV, assuming it was going to be a really stupid, low-brow, exploitive and unfunny movie. The first part of the movie does nothing to change that impression. But as it evolves into the Special Olympics, it becomes apparent that some of the actors have Down's syndrome. It also appears that some of the others may also be "Special." The movie takes a turn from the silly and stupid, to being a humorous but respectful treatment of the participants in the Special Olympics. The humor is not particularly heavy-handed, even if it isn't particularly intellectual, but the subject matter is very well handled, and the movie is uplifting, if a little predictable and maudlin. I'd still recommend it, if only for the joy of seeing the actors succeed in creating a movie that must have made participating in the Special Olympics seem a walk in the park. Congratulations to everyone who had anything to do with producing or acting in this. I only regret that I didn't see this in the theater, so that I could support those that created it.

My opinion after watching The Ringer Upon viewing the trailers and reading the synopsis I thought that this film would deliver.I did find this film entertaining to some extent. I like Johnny Knoxville and his ability to deliver. Some key scenes had me chuckling at parts but the overall theme of an able bodied person participating in the special olympics brought me back to reality. The fact that Spain included able bodied athletes to compete in the 2000 special Olympics kind of threw me off. Sorry Johnny, but that sh*t just ain't funny. I understand that this film if purely for entertainment but you can't produce a comedy primarily around the mentally and physically disabled. Johnny's acting was poor through the most part. You can't tilt your head and pause during words and expect to come off as legit.Shame on Katherine Heigle to co-star in this movie and Knocked Up, only to voice her displeasure regarding Knocked Up and the sexist overtones.

Can I have a hug, one of the best lines from the movie. What is meant to be a simple gesture backed by a not so simple motive. This also displays the well thought out script in and behind the acting of the movie. I really think that script was written excellently in every little detail about it from Stavi to Uncle Gary, to Thomas and Glen, every actor perfectly played out and the interaction of the cast as a whole really amplifies the movie. The plot however unrealistic it might be is a great story line that can be spun in any direction and you never know where the movie is going to go, just when you think Steve is going to get caught he doesn't, and instead of turning him in the athletes help him. The special effects and background music, as minute as they are really add pizazz. The music that plays in the background fits extremely well with the scenarios they actors find themselves in. It's hard to say that a movie about rigging the Special Olympics is actually a great movie and has a good message behind it but it does. The ringer is a great movie that shows what true friends are for, and how when a group of people pulls together any and everything can be accomplished. Through many funny jokes and one-liners the audience is always engaged and there's never a dull moment when watching.