MF42 0 #1 July 14, 2006 Netflix just sent me The Ringer, recent movie about a man who masquerades as an athlete competing in the Special Olympics. Stars Johnny Knoxville, the Jackass guy. I've got two mentally handicapped brothers and have spent my share of time helping out at Special Olympics events. I admit that at times I'm a little thin-skinned when those who should know better mock "special" people. During my time in public school, the only fights I ever enthusiastically participated in were started by people talking trash about my brothers; I never cared what anybody said about me. The only reason I decided to rent this movie is I learned the Special Olympics leadership actually was involved in the production and endorses the film! Supposedly there is neither cruelty nor mockery here. This is hard to believe. So before I watch it, I'm just wondering if anybody else has seen it, and what did you think? Going in with such a prejudice, is there any chance that it'll pleasantly surprise me? Or am I just going to be pissed off again? Matt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
point_code 0 #2 July 14, 2006 I saw it recently and I thought it was hilarious! There were several "special" people in the movie, and I'm sure 1 or 2 of the main charachters were actually "special" as well. One of them had Downs Syndrome but he was a brilliant charachter. they were very clever, quick witted, and extremely likable charachters in the movie. I don't recall any portions of the movie where they mocked or made fun of the "special" people, in fact, I thought the movie portrayed them in a generally positive light. The only exception was one star track athelete that the movie mocked, but his charachter was kindof a self centered jerk and I don't think he was "special". I think in general, if the movie mocked or made fun of anyone it was some of the normal people and they deserved it anyhow. I wouldn't guess that you would find it offensive. Just my guess though Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RkyMtnHigh 0 #3 July 14, 2006 I used to be a PT for Colorado Special Olympics back in the mid-late 80s and worked with mostly down syndrome people. I loved every part of the "job"...very gratifying in many ways. I found a lot of humor in The Ringer. It was really well done IMO _________________________________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
livendive 8 #4 July 14, 2006 It was a hilarious movie and the humor was not mean-spirited at all. Blues, Dave"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!" (drink Mountain Dew) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MF42 0 #5 July 14, 2006 Cool. Lots of positive replys and no negatives. I feel better about this. I'll let y'all know what I think. Matt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MF42 0 #6 July 14, 2006 "Yeah, show him that thing you did last year when Pamela Anderson was here.... Hey, not so aggressive!" Matt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AFFI 0 #7 July 14, 2006 QuoteI've got two mentally handicapped brothers and have spent my share of time helping out at Special Olympics events. I admit that at times I'm a little thin-skinned when those who should know better mock "special" people. So before I watch it, I'm just wondering if anybody else has seen it, and what did you think? Going in with such a prejudice, is there any chance that it'll pleasantly surprise me? Or am I just going to be pissed off again? If you are sensitive about making fun of the mentally challenged you might not appreciate the humor in this movie. You really can choose to not be sensitive about it – people say stupid things especially when they don’t understand something, no need to get upset, just let it roll off of you. I used to be sensitive when others would make fun of my obese sister but it doesn’t bother me anymore because I choose to not let get to me and I have acquired some inner peace where there was once contempt. So it benefited me greatly. Sticks and stones... And besides, I am pretty guilty of making fun of just about everything in life and I have never meant to intentionally hurt someone by some of the stupid comments I have made and I really try to watch my mouth these days because I have said hurtful things before, I try to keep in mind that there is a time and place for everything. Try to enjoy the flick although it is not the funniest comedy I have ever seen, as far as good movies it has a lot to be desired (IMHO)… Brian Cox is in it if you like him and the chick is pretty hot... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MF42 0 #8 July 14, 2006 Actually, I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed the movie. Laughed several times. The sappy ending was very predictable, but what do you expect from a comedy, right? Two thumbs up. Matt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cderham 0 #9 July 14, 2006 Best line in the movie: " When the fuck did we get ice cream?" " Was I sleeping?" Check out the special features alot of good content about the special olymipics involvment. Chris It's Jimmy Time!! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Fast-As-Fuck/6099474213 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RkyMtnHigh 0 #10 July 14, 2006 QuoteBest line in the movie: " When the fuck did we get ice cream?" " Was I sleeping?" Check out the special features alot of good content about the special olymipics involvment. "You can say that again..." _________________________________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SBS 0 #11 July 14, 2006 I didn't like the movie personally. It wasn't mean spirited at all. That's probably why I didn't think it was that funny. _____________ I'm not conceited...I'm just realistic about my awesomeness... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
