The Ringer Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy pretends to be intellectually disabled to win the Special Olympics, but ends up learning that being a decent human is, like, totally radical, dude.

🍿 The Ringer: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Facing Financial Trouble

Steve Barker, played by Johnny Knoxville, finds himself in a bind when he’s tasked with firing his friend Stavi. Unable to do so, he hires Stavi for another job, which leads to an accident where Stavi loses several fingers. The surgery to reattach the fingers costs $28,000, money Steve doesn’t have. His uncle, Gary, is also deep in debt due to gambling.

A Risky Plan

Gary proposes a controversial solution: rig the Special Olympics by having Steve pose as a mentally challenged athlete. Steve reluctantly agrees and adopts the persona of “Jeffy.” Their plan is to bet against the reigning champion, Jimmy, and use the winnings to pay off their debts. This sets the stage for Steve’s immersion into the world of the Special Olympics.

Infiltration and Acceptance

Steve, as Jeffy, enters the Special Olympics, where he meets Lynn, a kind-hearted volunteer. Initially, he struggles to fit in, but the other athletes quickly realize he’s faking. Surprisingly, instead of exposing him, they agree to help him beat Jimmy, whom they see as arrogant and overly competitive. Steve begins to bond with the athletes, and his perspective starts to shift.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Steve Barker (Johnny Knoxville): A well-meaning but desperate man who attempts to rig the Special Olympics to pay off a debt by posing as a contestant.
• Gary Barker (Brian Cox): Steve’s gambling-addicted uncle who concocts the plan to rig the Special Olympics.
• Lynn Sheridan (Katherine Heigl): A compassionate volunteer at the Special Olympics who develops a connection with Steve.
• Glen (Jed Rees): A Special Olympics athlete who befriends Steve and helps him train.
• Thomas (Bill Chott): A good-natured Special Olympics athlete who becomes one of Steve’s close friends.
• Billy (Edward Barbanell): A Special Olympics athlete that is very friendly.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Steve Barker: “I’m not retarded! I’m just…special.” – Steve says this when trying to convince others he is mentally challenged, highlighting his awkward attempt at deception.
• Gary Barker: “We’re gonna fix the Special Olympics!” – Gary enthusiastically announces his morally questionable plan to rig the Special Olympics for financial gain.
• Winston: “When the f*** did we get ice cream?” – Winston says this line after they find Lynn’s boyfriend with another girl, and he tries to cover it up by saying he took them out for ice cream, highlighting the boyfriend’s ineptitude at lying.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $24,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $35,428,675
• Worldwide Gross: $40,442,443

💥 The Ringer Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing this movie in theaters and feeling conflicted. On one hand, the premise is, let’s face it, kinda cringey. But the movie ended up having a surprising amount of heart. I genuinely laughed at the characters and the actors gave surprisingly good performances. The scene where they all help Johnny is touching, and the ending is satisfying.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Johnny Knoxville”
  • “Viewers who enjoy Farrelly brothers’ comedies”
  • “Those interested in heartwarming sports comedies”
  • “People looking for movies with a message of inclusivity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Crude humor”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Potentially offensive stereotypes (though challenged by the film)”
  • “Some drug references”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “While Knoxville commits fully, the film struggles to balance its edgy premise with heartwarming sentimentality. Some jokes land, but the overall experience feels uneven.
• Roger Ebert: “Ebert noted the movie surprised him by its heart and humor. ‘The Ringer’ is a bit too predictable but also has some genuine laughs that make it worth your while.
• Variety: “Reviews noted that the premise of the film might offend some, but it is offset by the film’s sentimental message. Despite its flaws the film is overall an okay watch

Audience Reactions

The portrayal of the Special Olympics athletes was surprisingly respectful and heartwarming.: Many viewers found the film unexpectedly sweet and praised the positive representation of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Johnny Knoxville’s performance balanced humor and sensitivity, surprising many viewers.: Knoxville’s ability to bring both comedy and a touch of genuine emotion to the role was a highlight for many fans.

Overall Consensus: Despite a potentially offensive premise, ‘The Ringer’ manages to deliver a surprisingly heartwarming and humorous experience, though it may not be for everyone.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film received the endorsement of Special Olympics International, ensuring respectful representation and involvement of athletes with intellectual disabilities.”
• “Approximately 200 Special Olympics athletes were involved as extras, providing an authentic and inclusive atmosphere during filming.”
• “Despite the sensitive subject matter, the filmmakers aimed to create a comedy that would be funny without being offensive to people with intellectual disabilities.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Ringer?

The Ringer is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Ringer, you might like these similar films:

• Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004): Shares the underdog sports comedy theme with a group of misfits competing against a formidable opponent.
• There’s Something About Mary (1998): The Farrelly Brothers’ signature style of humor is evident in both films, though ‘The Ringer’ treads more carefully.
• Blades of Glory (2007): A more absurd sports comedy where characters are forced to bend the rules and challenge norms to succeed.
• Cool Runnings (1993): Features a group of outsiders who come together to compete in a sport they know nothing about, focusing on heart and determination.

🛒 The Ringer Related Products

• Special Olympics: A History, 1968-2018: Celebrate 50 years of the Special Olympics with this historical overview, showcasing the movement’s impact on inclusion and empowerment. A great addition to any fan’s collection.
• Johnny Knoxville Signed Autograph Photo: A autographed Johnny Knoxville photo. All autographed items are certified authentic and come with a certificate of authenticity.
• Funko Pop! Sports – Baseball – Jackie Robinson: An American professional baseball player who became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the modern era.
• Champion Sports Official Size Soccer Goal Net: These soccer goal nets meet official standards, featuring durable polyester that can withstand even the toughest shots. This net is white, which is an official soccer color to enhance visibility.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Ringer features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Ton of Shame” – performed by Randy Weeks
• “The Distance” – performed by Cake

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Johnny Knoxville The Ringer When The Fuck Did We Get Ice Cream?

Remember that outrageously funny ice cream scene from The Ringer? This clip is pure gold, showcasing Johnny Knoxville’s comedic genius. Seriously, who saw that coming?

Johnny Knoxville, Eddie Barbanell and the R-word

Ever wondered about the deeper meaning behind ‘The Ringer’? Check out Johnny Knoxville and Eddie Barbanell discussing why certain words are hurtful. It’s surprisingly insightful and changes how you see the movie!

Johnny Knoxville’s Greatest Movie EVER is The Ringer!

Steve-O thinks ‘The Ringer’ is Johnny Knoxville’s best movie, what do you think? Does he have a point? Decide for yourself by watching the video!

✨ Rate