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{{Infobox film
{{Infobox_Film|
name=The Ringer| | name = The Ringer
image=Theringer_poster.jpg| | image = Theringer poster.jpg
| caption = Promotional poster
director= ]|
| alt = A group of athletes on a running track.
writer= ]|
| director = ]
starring= ] <br> ] <br> ]|
| writer = ]
producer=] <br> ]|
| starring = {{Plain list |
music =]|
* ]
cinematography = ]|
* ]
editing =]|
* ]}}
distributor=]|

released= ], ]|
| producer = {{plain list|
runtime= 94 min.|
*]
language=]|
*]
budget=|
*]
imdb_id=0267891|
*]
}}
| music = ]
| cinematography = ]
| editing = ]
| studio = ]
| distributor = ]
| released = {{Film date|2005|12|23}}
| runtime = 94 minutes
| country = United States
| language = English
| budget = $20 million<ref>{{cite web|url=http://powergrid.thewrap.com/project/ringer |title=The Ringer – PowerGrid |work=]|accessdate=July 29, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731072307/http://powergrid.thewrap.com/project/ringer|url-status=dead|archivedate=July 31, 2017}}</ref>
| gross = $40.4 million<!-- worldwide --><ref name="boxmojo">{{cite web | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=ringer.htm | title = The Ringer (2005) | accessdate=2009-09-26 | work = ]}}</ref>
}} }}
:''For ] episode with the same name, see ]''
'''''The Ringer''''' is a ] ] starring ], ], and ] with cameos by ] and ]. It is ] by the ] and was released on ], ] by ].


'''''The Ringer''''' is a 2005 American ] ] starring ], ], and ] with cameos by ] and ]. Directed by ], it was produced by the ]. The film was released on December 23, 2005, by ].
==Plot==


The plot centers around a young man (Knoxville) who, as part of a scheme to pay off his debts, poses as being ] to compete in the ].
==Reception==


The film received mixed reviews, but its positive depiction of mentally disabled characters was received approvingly by multiple commentators. The film was also endorsed by the real-life Special Olympics.
The movie was met with mixed reviews. Some critics thought that it was too predictable. However, noted critic ] gave it a positive review.


== Plot ==
There is currently a lot of controversy that the movie's plot was stolen from animated series "]" in an episode where "]" pretended to be mentally handicapped to win a prize in the ].


Steve Barker suddenly receives a promotion at work and is forced to fire his friend Stavi, a hard-working immigrant janitor at the company. Steve reluctantly does so but hires Stavi to work around his apartment. While working, Stavi loses three fingers in a lawnmower accident and reveals that he does not have health insurance; Steve decides to raise $28,000 within two weeks to pay for the surgery to reattach Stavi's fingers.
==Box office==


His uncle Gary owes $40,000 in gambling debts and suggests that they ] the Special Olympics in ] to solve both of their financial problems. Steve reluctantly enters the Special Olympics under the guise of being a high-functioning young man named "]" with a ]. Assuming that Steve will easily defeat the legitimate contenders, Gary bets $100,000 that reigning champion Jimmy Washington won't win the gold medal. Despite initial disgust at pretending to be intellectually disabled, Steve goes along for Stavi.
When it opened it earned $7,702,439 and its box office total was $35,019,634. It also earned $40,800,000 in DVD sales.


During the competition, Steve falls in love with Lynn, a Special Olympics volunteer. During this time, 6 other contestants see through Steve's act, so he tells them the truth about Stavi. As Steve decides to leave after exposure, they ask him to stay, resolving to help Steve save Stavi's fingers because they want to see the arrogant Jimmy lose.
==External links==
*
* {{imdb title|id=0267891|title=The Ringer}}
* {{MySpace|id=theringermovie|name=''The Ringer''}}
* at ] movies
* at Empire Movies
* at Apple Trailers
*
*
* at


In the meantime, Steve befriends the other contestants: he encourages Thomas to talk to a girl he likes and even takes the group to see a showing of '']''. Steve gradually gets to know Lynn more but is dismayed to learn that she is seeing David; after Steve discovers that David is cheating behind Lynn's back, she breaks up with him. At one point, Steve feels remorse for taking part in the Special Olympics and tells a ] in a ], only for the priest to punch him in the face and kick him out of the church.

At the final competition, Steve's friend Glen comes in 1st, with Steve in 3rd behind Jimmy. During the medal ceremony, Steve admits that he is not developmentally disabled, reveals his actual name, and gives his medal to Thomas, who had finished 4th. Lynn, upset at Steve, rebuffs him when he attempts to apologize to her. Uncle Gary still wins his bet, as his condition was that Jimmy would lose.

6 months later, Steve quit his job and started working in theater, producing a play with the friends he made during the Special Olympics and Stavi, who got his fingers reattached. Glen and the others trick Lynn into coming to the theater, and Steve starts to apologize. Lynn forgives him because Stavi told her why Steve pretended to be developmentally disabled, and they kiss.

In a mid-credits scene, Steve and his friends dance onstage with ] as they perform the song "]".

== Cast ==
* ] as Steve Barker
* ] as Gary Barker
* ] as Lynn Sheridan
* ] as Winston Kelso Smith
* ] as Billy B'Devore
* ] as Thomas Wetzig
* Leonard Flowers as Jimmy Washington
* ] as Mark
* ] as Glen Chervin
* John Taylor as Rudy
* ] as Stavi
* ] as David Patrick

<!-- Cameos/Cast/Casting -->
Professional wrestlers ] and ]'s cameo appearances came about due to their friendship with director Barry Blaustein, who met the pair whilst filming the wrestling documentary '']'' in the late 1990s. Funk portrayed one of the debt collectors, while Ventura lent his voice as a motivational speaker on tape. ] sportscaster ] also appears in the movie as himself.

== Production ==

The film took seven years to get made due to its controversial subject.<ref name="msnbc">{{cite web
| url = https://www.today.com/popculture/special-olympics-approve-ringer-wbna10385246
| title = The Special Olympics approve of 'The Ringer'
| publisher = The Associated Press
| accessdate = 2009-10-09
}}</ref>
The Special Olympics committee eventually agreed to endorse the film, the filmmakers having given them final say on the script.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/English/Press_Room/Global_news/The+Ringer+opens+23+December.htm | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20051224061140/http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/English/Press_Room/Global_news/The+Ringer+opens+23+December.htm | archivedate = 2005-12-24 |work= Specialolympics.org|date=2005-10-13|title=Grab your popcorn and head to your local theater for The Ringer on 23 December}}</ref>

Producer Farrelly is himself a longtime volunteer with ], a group that provides mentoring programs for people with intellectual disabilities, and has prominently featured characters with disabilities in his previous films such as Warren the brother of Mary in '']'' and Rocket in '']''.<ref name="msnbc" />

During the end credits, scenes from Shakespeare's '']'' are shown being performed, ending with the ] performing ]'s "]."

== Reception ==
The film review aggregator ] lists 40% positive reviews based on 89 critics, with an average rating of 5.00/10. The site's consensus states: "Despite a few laughs and good intentions, ''The Ringer'' is too predictable to really score the points it aims for."<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1153228-the_ringer/
| title = The Ringer (2005)
| website = ]
| publisher = ]
| accessdate = March 11, 2021
}}</ref> On ], the film has a ] of 46 out of 100, based on 29 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{Citation |title=The Ringer Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-ringer |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=2022-04-19}}</ref>

] gave the film three out of four stars, stating: "The movie surprised me. It treats its disabled characters with affection and respect... and it's actually kind of sweet."<ref>Ebert, Roger. "." ''Chicago Sun Times,'' 22 December 2005.</ref>

Spinal Cord Injury Zone stated: "Instead of tugging at the heartstrings, ''The Ringer'' uses the typical outrageous Farrelly Brothers humor ('']'', '']'', '']'') to promote the message that just like everyone else, individuals with intellectual disabilities are people first, each with their own interests, talents, abilities and personalities. The movie also features more than 150 people with intellectual disabilities in small parts and supporting roles."<ref name="The Spinal Cord Injury Zone">{{cite web|url=http://www.spinalcordinjuryzone.com/news/2982/support-the-ringer-on-opening-weekend-dec-23-25|title=Support 'The Ringer' on Opening Weekend, Dec. 23-25 - News - Spinal Cord Injury Zone!|date=22 November 2005|website=Spinalcordinjuryzone.com|accessdate=6 October 2017}}</ref>

==Soundtrack==
<!-- see ] if you want to improve this section -->
# "Ton of Shame"- Written by: ]...Performed by: Randy Weeks
# "]"- Written by: ]
# "Sweet Ride"- Written by: ] and ]...Performed by: ]
# "Wink and a Nod"- Written by: ]...Performed by: The Funny Bones
# "Merlot"- Written by: ]...Performed by: The Tasters
# "Real Thing"- Written by: ]...Performed by: ]
# "Main Title- Written by: ]...Performed by: ]
# "Calvera"- Written by: ]...Performed by: ]
# "Hot Sugar"- Written by: Sammy James Jr. and Graham Tyler...Performed by: ]
# "Girls Gone Wild"- Written by: Karlyton Clanton, Rochad Holiday and Chris Reese...Performed by: Dirty Rat
# "We Got to Get You a Woman"- Written by: ]...Performed by: ]
# "If She Wants Me"- Written by: ], ], ], ] (as Michael Cooke), Christopher Geddes, ] (as Stephen Jackson) and Bob Kildea- Performed by: ]
# "]"- Written by: ]
# "]"- Written by: ], ] and ]
# "Kellerman's Anthem"- Written by: Michael Goldman
# "Fox Sports Network College Basketball Theme 2001"- Written by: Christopher Brady
# "]"- Written by: ], ] and ]...Performed by ]
# "Pretty Girls"- Written by: Carl Brown, Shelly Goodhope, Tanesa Tavin, Daniel Brattain, Veronica Mendez, Darrell Mitchell, Albert Cota, Chantel Roquemore and Michael Monagan...Performed by: ]
# "]"- Written by: ]...Performed by: The Kids Of Widney High
# "]"- Written by: ] and ] (as Thomas Bell)...Performed by: ]

==See also==
* ]
* ]
* ]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|0267891}}


{{Barry W. Blaustein}}
]
]
]
]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Ringer}}
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Latest revision as of 08:30, 10 December 2024

2005 American film
The Ringer
A group of athletes on a running track.Promotional poster
Directed byBarry W. Blaustein
Written byRicky Blitt
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyMark Irwin
Edited byGeorge Folsey Jr.
Music byMark Mothersbaugh
Production
company		Conundrum Entertainment
Distributed byFox Searchlight Pictures
Release date
  • December 23, 2005 (2005-12-23)
Running time94 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$20 million
Box office$40.4 million

The Ringer is a 2005 American slapstick sports comedy starring Johnny Knoxville, Katherine Heigl, and Brian Cox with cameos by Terry Funk and Jesse Ventura. Directed by Barry W. Blaustein, it was produced by the Farrelly brothers. The film was released on December 23, 2005, by Fox Searchlight Pictures.

The plot centers around a young man (Knoxville) who, as part of a scheme to pay off his debts, poses as being developmentally disabled to compete in the Special Olympics.

The film received mixed reviews, but its positive depiction of mentally disabled characters was received approvingly by multiple commentators. The film was also endorsed by the real-life Special Olympics.

Plot

Steve Barker suddenly receives a promotion at work and is forced to fire his friend Stavi, a hard-working immigrant janitor at the company. Steve reluctantly does so but hires Stavi to work around his apartment. While working, Stavi loses three fingers in a lawnmower accident and reveals that he does not have health insurance; Steve decides to raise $28,000 within two weeks to pay for the surgery to reattach Stavi's fingers.

His uncle Gary owes $40,000 in gambling debts and suggests that they fix the Special Olympics in San Marcos, Texas to solve both of their financial problems. Steve reluctantly enters the Special Olympics under the guise of being a high-functioning young man named "Jeffy Dahmor" with a developmental disability. Assuming that Steve will easily defeat the legitimate contenders, Gary bets $100,000 that reigning champion Jimmy Washington won't win the gold medal. Despite initial disgust at pretending to be intellectually disabled, Steve goes along for Stavi.

During the competition, Steve falls in love with Lynn, a Special Olympics volunteer. During this time, 6 other contestants see through Steve's act, so he tells them the truth about Stavi. As Steve decides to leave after exposure, they ask him to stay, resolving to help Steve save Stavi's fingers because they want to see the arrogant Jimmy lose.

In the meantime, Steve befriends the other contestants: he encourages Thomas to talk to a girl he likes and even takes the group to see a showing of Dirty Dancing. Steve gradually gets to know Lynn more but is dismayed to learn that she is seeing David; after Steve discovers that David is cheating behind Lynn's back, she breaks up with him. At one point, Steve feels remorse for taking part in the Special Olympics and tells a priest in a confession booth, only for the priest to punch him in the face and kick him out of the church.

At the final competition, Steve's friend Glen comes in 1st, with Steve in 3rd behind Jimmy. During the medal ceremony, Steve admits that he is not developmentally disabled, reveals his actual name, and gives his medal to Thomas, who had finished 4th. Lynn, upset at Steve, rebuffs him when he attempts to apologize to her. Uncle Gary still wins his bet, as his condition was that Jimmy would lose.

6 months later, Steve quit his job and started working in theater, producing a play with the friends he made during the Special Olympics and Stavi, who got his fingers reattached. Glen and the others trick Lynn into coming to the theater, and Steve starts to apologize. Lynn forgives him because Stavi told her why Steve pretended to be developmentally disabled, and they kiss.

In a mid-credits scene, Steve and his friends dance onstage with the Kids of Widney High as they perform the song "Respect".

Cast

Professional wrestlers Terry Funk and Jesse Ventura's cameo appearances came about due to their friendship with director Barry Blaustein, who met the pair whilst filming the wrestling documentary Beyond the Mat in the late 1990s. Funk portrayed one of the debt collectors, while Ventura lent his voice as a motivational speaker on tape. ESPN sportscaster Steve Levy also appears in the movie as himself.

Production

The film took seven years to get made due to its controversial subject. The Special Olympics committee eventually agreed to endorse the film, the filmmakers having given them final say on the script.

Producer Farrelly is himself a longtime volunteer with Best Buddies, a group that provides mentoring programs for people with intellectual disabilities, and has prominently featured characters with disabilities in his previous films such as Warren the brother of Mary in There's Something About Mary and Rocket in Stuck on You.

During the end credits, scenes from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet are shown being performed, ending with the Kids of Widney High performing Aretha Franklin's "Respect."

Reception

The film review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes lists 40% positive reviews based on 89 critics, with an average rating of 5.00/10. The site's consensus states: "Despite a few laughs and good intentions, The Ringer is too predictable to really score the points it aims for." On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 46 out of 100, based on 29 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".

Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars, stating: "The movie surprised me. It treats its disabled characters with affection and respect... and it's actually kind of sweet."

Spinal Cord Injury Zone stated: "Instead of tugging at the heartstrings, The Ringer uses the typical outrageous Farrelly Brothers humor (There's Something About Mary, Stuck on You, Shallow Hal) to promote the message that just like everyone else, individuals with intellectual disabilities are people first, each with their own interests, talents, abilities and personalities. The movie also features more than 150 people with intellectual disabilities in small parts and supporting roles."

Soundtrack

  1. "Ton of Shame"- Written by: Randy Weeks...Performed by: Randy Weeks
  2. "Mr. Sandman"- Written by: Pat Ballard
  3. "Sweet Ride"- Written by: Gustaf Norén and Björn Dixgård...Performed by: Mando Diao
  4. "Wink and a Nod"- Written by: Tom Wolfe...Performed by: The Funny Bones
  5. "Merlot"- Written by: Tom Wolfe...Performed by: The Tasters
  6. "Real Thing"- Written by: Tom Wolfe...Performed by: The Shakers
  7. "Main Title- Written by: Elmer Bernstein...Performed by: Elmer Bernstein
  8. "Calvera"- Written by: Elmer Bernstein...Performed by: Elmer Bernstein
  9. "Hot Sugar"- Written by: Sammy James Jr. and Graham Tyler...Performed by: The Mooney Suzuki
  10. "Girls Gone Wild"- Written by: Karlyton Clanton, Rochad Holiday and Chris Reese...Performed by: Dirty Rat
  11. "We Got to Get You a Woman"- Written by: Todd Rundgren...Performed by: Todd Rundgren
  12. "If She Wants Me"- Written by: Sarah Martin, Stuart Murdoch, Richard Colburn, Mick Cooke (as Michael Cooke), Christopher Geddes, Stevie Jackson (as Stephen Jackson) and Bob Kildea- Performed by: Belle & Sebastian
  13. "Piano Man"- Written by: Billy Joel
  14. "My Cherie Amour"- Written by: Stevie Wonder, Sylvia Moy and Henry Cosby
  15. "Kellerman's Anthem"- Written by: Michael Goldman
  16. "Fox Sports Network College Basketball Theme 2001"- Written by: Christopher Brady
  17. "September"- Written by: Allee Willis, Al McKay and Maurice White...Performed by Earth Wind & Fire
  18. "Pretty Girls"- Written by: Carl Brown, Shelly Goodhope, Tanesa Tavin, Daniel Brattain, Veronica Mendez, Darrell Mitchell, Albert Cota, Chantel Roquemore and Michael Monagan...Performed by: The Kids Of Widney High
  19. "Respect"- Written by: Otis Redding...Performed by: The Kids Of Widney High
  20. "You Are Everything"- Written by: Linda Creed and Thom Bell (as Thomas Bell)...Performed by: The Stylistics

See also

References

  1. "The Ringer – PowerGrid". The Wrap. Archived from the original on July 31, 2017. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
  2. "The Ringer (2005)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2009-09-26.
  3. ^ "The Special Olympics approve of 'The Ringer'". The Associated Press. Retrieved 2009-10-09.
  4. "Grab your popcorn and head to your local theater for The Ringer on 23 December". Specialolympics.org. 2005-10-13. Archived from the original on 2005-12-24.
  5. "The Ringer (2005)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  6. The Ringer Reviews, Metacritic, retrieved 2022-04-19
  7. Ebert, Roger. "The Ringer (PG-13)." Chicago Sun Times, 22 December 2005.
  8. "Support 'The Ringer' on Opening Weekend, Dec. 23-25 - News - Spinal Cord Injury Zone!". Spinalcordinjuryzone.com. 22 November 2005. Retrieved 6 October 2017.

External links

Films directed by Barry W. Blaustein
Categories: