DVD Pick of the Week: The Ringer

This week's pick is really a minor comedy. A slight film, that I had gone so far as forgotten the name of until I saw it in this week's list. A film that is destined to be forgotten in the annals of film history. There is nothing revolutionary, or even particularly extraordinary, about it. So why did I choose it? I chose it because I was very much entertained by it when I witnessed it in theaters this past December.

This week's pick is none other than The Ringer. The movie was hilarious. It stars Johnny Knoxville as a guy who is down on his luck and in need of money, fast. He turns to his sleazy uncle (Brian Cox), who concocts a plan to fix the Special Olympics. Knoxville goes undercover as a mentally disabled young man, but finds the task to be a lot more difficult than had been expected. He is having trouble reconciling himself with cheating those who are truly disabled. Not to mention his budding affection for one of the workers there, played by Katherine Heigl.

What does make the movie standout is that the humor is never at the expense of the Special Olympians. All of the jokes and gags clearly make Knoxville their butt. This is the kiond of movie that could have easily gone in the direction of bad taste. It was nice to see they did not take the easy route.

Another interesting aspect is Johnny Knoxville's career. I find it amazing that he has gone from former Jackass star to actually having an acting career, and not doing a terribly bad job of it. I am not making any claims of his acting ability, but it is interesting to watch his career develop. I have enjoyed his work, he has good comic timing and is generally convincing. I wish him the best.

Also coming out this week:

• Con Air: Unrated, Extended Edition. There has been an odd trend in releasing extended cuts of unlikely films. This is the first of three such releases this week.
• Crimson Tide: Unrated, Extended Edition. And the second.
• Doogal. This is strictly for the youngest of viewers. For the rest it will bore you to tears. For that matter, skip this and see Hoodwinked.
• Duma. I have heard nothing but good things about this family oriented film.
• Enemy of the State: Unrated, Extended Edition. The third of those odd releases for the week.
• Napoleon Dynamite: Like, the Best Special Edition Ever! It hasn't been that long since the first release, classic double dip strategy. This does look like it has a nice selection of extras.
• New Police Story. Jackie Chan's latest looks very good. I believe I imported this and haven't watched it yet. I should probably do that.
• One Missed Call 2. The sequel to Takashi Miike's horror film. I have heard that it is not very good, but it is going to be difficult following up Miike.
• The Producers. This was very entertaining, if a bit long. Lane and Broderick work great together, and Will Ferrell's cameo is hilarious!
• Something New. This was a surprisingly good romantic comedy, features some great chemistry between Sanaa Lathan and Simon Baker.
• When a Stranger Calls. Avoid this stinker. It is awful, not scary at all. You've been warned.

What are you getting this week?