Watch The Ringer

The Ringer is a comedy film from 2005, directed by Barry W. Blaustein and starring Johnny Knoxville, Katherine Heigl, and Brian Cox. The movie follows Steve Barker (Knoxville), a down-on-his-luck office worker who decides to compete in the Special Olympics to win a bet with his uncle. The film opens with Steve struggling to keep a job and losing his apartment. His uncle Gary (Cox) invites him to his house to celebrate with some of his friends. While there, Steve meets the Special Olympics athletes and finds out that Gary has been scheming to bet on the incoming games. Steve asks Gary if he can get in on the bet, but Gary is hesitant since he is not confident in Steve's abilities.

Determined to prove his uncle wrong, Steve comes up with a plan to pretend to be mentally disabled and compete in the Special Olympics. To do this, he enlists the help of his friend Stavi (Luis Avalos) and they set out to create a fake identity for Steve. They give him the name Jeffy Dahmor and practice acting like someone with intellectual disabilities.

Steve then registers for the games and meets a group of athletes who quickly become his friends. He also meets Lynn (Heigl), a volunteer at the games who catches his eye. As Jeffy, Steve competes in the track and field events and, much to his surprise, he excels at them.

However, things start to get complicated when he realizes that he actually enjoys spending time with his new friends and doesn't want to betray their trust. He also begins to develop feelings for Lynn, and struggles with whether or not to reveal his true identity.

The plot thickens as Jeffy becomes a fan favorite due to his hilarious antics and winning personality. Meanwhile, Gary and his friends become anxious about their bet, and Steve's lies start catching up with him.

The Ringer tackles themes of identity, honesty, and acceptance. It provides a unique perspective on the Special Olympics and how the event brings people from all walks of life together. The film also highlights the importance of treating people with intellectual disabilities as equals, rather than outcasts.

The movie features many comedic moments, but it also has its heartwarming and emotional scenes. Knoxville gives a standout performance as Jeffy, showcasing his range as an actor. Heigl also shines as Lynn, bringing a sense of authenticity to the role.

Overall, The Ringer is a charming and entertaining film that will leave viewers with a smile on their face. It showcases the power of friendship and the ability of individuals to overcome adversity. It also serves as a reminder that laughter is truly the best medicine.

The Ringer is a 2005 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 46.