Released in 2005, 'The Ringer' attempts to mine humor from a sensitive topic: the Special Olympics. Johnny Knoxville stars as Steve Barker, a guy who fakes intellectual disability to win the games and pay off a debt. Yes, it's as uncomfortable as it sounds.
But here's the thing: beneath the layers of questionable premise, there are genuine attempts at heart. The film features actual Special Olympics athletes, and some of the humor comes from Steve's growing respect and connection with his fellow competitors. While some jokes haven't aged well (understatement!), 'The Ringer' sparked debate about representation and comedy, forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about how we view disability.
Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But 'The Ringer' remains a significant, albeit flawed, entry in the comedy film landscape. It's a reminder that humor can be a tricky tightrope walk, and sometimes, you stumble. But sometimes, you also learn something along the way.