The Ringer

Reviewed by:
Pete Hammond

Imagine this story pitch: a guy strapped for money tries to pass himself off as a drooling, mentally challenged adult so he can enter, and subsequently rig, the Special Olympics. You've got to give the Farrelly Brothers credit for having the humongous balls to make this one. It’s not shocking that it took seven long years for Peter and Bobby Farrelly (There’s Something About Mary) to find a studio that would provide financing, but what is shocking is that they pull it off with genuine heart—and with complete backing from the Special Olympics organization! The key to making this dubious story work is Johnny Knoxville’s reluctant participation in his crazy Uncle Gary’s (Brian Cox) devious plan to bilk the handicapped. “This is wrong. This is so wrong,” he says as his Uncle makes him watch videos of Rainman, Forrest Gump, and The Best Of Chevy Chase in order to become believably “retarded” (a word the movie comes down on strongly). After Knoxville infiltrates a group of intellectually challenged athletes, he's soon exposed as he discovers these guys are a lot smarter in their own way than he is. (“You’re a mother-faker,” says one.) A scene in a confessional where he reveals his shameful plan to a priest is an instant classic, proving that while The Ringer may have been a tough sell, it comes through as one of the year’s most unexpected comedy surprises.

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