Release Date: 12/31/1969 Original Release: 2005 Format: DVD Length: 94 minutes Rating:PG-13 (MPAA) Rating Reason: Crude and sexual humor, drug references, and language UPC: 024543235231 Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainm
Peter and Bobby Farrelly have always expressed an especially warm but unsentimental attitude in their films toward those with disabilities, most notably in THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY and SHALLOW HAL. THE RINGER, which they produced (but neither wrote nor directed), takes this trait to feverish new heights. JACKASS-cum-leading man stars Johnny Knoxville as office schmo Steve Barker, whose request for more responsibility at his job indirectly results in the severing of four fingers from the hand of Stavi, the mild-mannered office janitor. When Steve requests financial help from his morally-questionable gambling addict Uncle Gary (Brian Cox), Stevie finds himself posing as "Jeffy" an athlete in the Special Olympics whose victory against track champion Jimmy (Leonard Flowers) could spell an end to Uncle Gary's debts and the reattaching of Stavi's fingers.
Though a basic description of its premise would make most viewers cry foul, THE RINGER skirts the obvious charge of exploitation by making the mentally challenged characters the only ones to realize that Steve is only acting handicapped. Steve's fellow Olympians are cast with a combination of veteran character actors and real-life former Special Olympians (most notably Edward Barbanell, John Taylor, and Leonard Flowers) who, while lending the film authenticity, also spark with comic timing and the true joy of being on camera. Knoxville once again makes an affable hero, and Ricky Blitt's screenplay, while crass by nature, keeps true vulgarity at bay in favor of a good nature that makes simplicity an asset.
DVD Features
Region 1 Keep Case Dual Side Full Frame - 1.33 Widescreen - 2.35 Audio: Dolby Surround - Spanish Dolby Surround 5.1 - English Subtitles - English, Spanish - Optional Additional Release Material: Trailers Audio Commentary: Barry W. Blaustein - Director Alternate Scenes: Deleted Scenes Outtakes: Fall-Down Funny Gag Reel Bonus Footage: Special Olympics PSA
I was very wary of this film as I work with special needs kids and I couldn't imagine this being anything but offensive. However instead of overly mocking special needs people, this film goes above... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
Posted on May 16, 2007
Reviewed by: Zara
Listen up, because my opinion is more important than your opinion when it comes to this movie. I work with people with developmental disabilities (the PC way to lump together everything from mild... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
Posted on March 3, 2007
Reviewed by: Movie Addict
I do not know why I watched this movie. I should have watched Olbermann and Monk instead. I have never seen a Johnny Knoxville film, and I can only recall maybe one or two Farrelly brothers... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
Posted on August 28, 2007
Posted on May 16, 2007
Posted on March 3, 2007
