Knoxville > Carrey
I have to admit my initial reaction to The Ringer trailer was not exactly positive. But that’s how I am with most “dumb” Hollywood popcorn movies and The Ringer is no exception, especially with its sensitive premise and casting of leading actor, Johnny Knoxville, from former MTV’s Jackass fame. There are certain things in life you just can’t fuck with and that includes making fun of the mentally challenged by imitating them. It’s a guarantee first class ticket to Hell as even Knoxville’s character knows.
However, there are those rare occasions when seemingly craptastic popcorn flicks end up becoming good (Harold and Kumar). For the most part, not because of the script or acting, but rather the social commentary and relevance it makes. Aside from free advertising, one has to wonder why The Special Olympic allowed this film to be made along with giving it their blessings. So with that in mind and not wanting to be another judgmental prick, I decided to see it with an open mind, and let me just say, this is a completely underrated movie -- typical of good movies.
The Ringer is essentially about an unfortunately nice guy who rigs the Special Olympics with his uncle in order to win a bet to pay off a debt and a friend’s operation. Knoxville’s character, Steve, aka Special Jeffy Dahmer, poses as a contestant hoping to upset the reigning champion, Jimmy, who happens to be the Michael Jordan of the Special Olympics and a real jerk. Meanwhile, he falls in love, gain friendships, yade yade da.
What I particularly liked about this movie was how real actors were cast to fulfill the desired roles. Unlike previous popular films -- Forrest Gump, Who’s Eating Gilbert Grape, I am Sam, Slingblade, and Rain Man -- where regular actors are told to ham it up as a “retard” and then rewarded with reorganization as a brilliant actor. If you think about it, not only is it offensive it’s no different than painting Tom Cruise’s face black and casting him as MLK or slanting Jennifer Aniston’s eyes so she can play an Asian role because real Asians aren’t good actors. This movie was also one of the funnier movies I’ve seen all year, with some fantastic one-liners which I won’t spoil for any of you.
Although there’s been controversy over its appropriateness for developmentally disabled people, I think for the most part it’s bullshit. While it may true in some cases, I think the majority comes from overprotective individuals who underestimate their child/sibling/parent, which ironically enough is an ignorant ideology The Ringer tries to disprove.
However, there are those rare occasions when seemingly craptastic popcorn flicks end up becoming good (Harold and Kumar). For the most part, not because of the script or acting, but rather the social commentary and relevance it makes. Aside from free advertising, one has to wonder why The Special Olympic allowed this film to be made along with giving it their blessings. So with that in mind and not wanting to be another judgmental prick, I decided to see it with an open mind, and let me just say, this is a completely underrated movie -- typical of good movies.
The Ringer is essentially about an unfortunately nice guy who rigs the Special Olympics with his uncle in order to win a bet to pay off a debt and a friend’s operation. Knoxville’s character, Steve, aka Special Jeffy Dahmer, poses as a contestant hoping to upset the reigning champion, Jimmy, who happens to be the Michael Jordan of the Special Olympics and a real jerk. Meanwhile, he falls in love, gain friendships, yade yade da.
What I particularly liked about this movie was how real actors were cast to fulfill the desired roles. Unlike previous popular films -- Forrest Gump, Who’s Eating Gilbert Grape, I am Sam, Slingblade, and Rain Man -- where regular actors are told to ham it up as a “retard” and then rewarded with reorganization as a brilliant actor. If you think about it, not only is it offensive it’s no different than painting Tom Cruise’s face black and casting him as MLK or slanting Jennifer Aniston’s eyes so she can play an Asian role because real Asians aren’t good actors. This movie was also one of the funnier movies I’ve seen all year, with some fantastic one-liners which I won’t spoil for any of you.
Although there’s been controversy over its appropriateness for developmentally disabled people, I think for the most part it’s bullshit. While it may true in some cases, I think the majority comes from overprotective individuals who underestimate their child/sibling/parent, which ironically enough is an ignorant ideology The Ringer tries to disprove.