The Ringer (2005) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Pressured by a greedy uncle and a pile of debt, lovable loser Steve Barker resorts to an unthinkable, contemptible, just-crazy-enough-to-work scheme. He pretends to be mentally challenged to rig the upcoming Special Olympics and bring home the gold. But when Steve's fellow competitors get wise to the con, they inspire him to rise to the greatest challenge of all: becoming a better person.
Rated PG-13 • 2005 • 1h 34m
In the comedy *The Ringer*, lovable but desperate Steve Barker fakes an intellectual disability to compete in and rig the Special Olympics, hoping to win money for his friend's surgery. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily due to its central, highly sensitive theme, as well as crude humor, language including a single use of the F-word, and some slapstick violence. The most intense content involves the controversial premise itself… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Ringer appropriate for kids?
In the comedy *The Ringer*, lovable but desperate Steve Barker fakes an intellectual disability to compete in and rig the Special Olympics, hoping to win money for his friend's surgery. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily due to its central, highly sensitive theme, as well as… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Ringer
What happens in The Ringer, moment by moment
- 0:06 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
- 0:18 🍷 Substances 2/10
Sex and nudity in The Ringer
Contains some light crude sexual humor and innuendo. Characters make jokes about others' sex lives, using slang like "banging." A character is discovered to be cheating on his fiancée. Near the end of the film, two main characters share a romantic kiss.
Violence and gore in The Ringer
Violence is mostly comedic and slapstick in nature, though one scene is briefly graphic. Early in the film, a man's fingers are cut off by a lawnmower, and we see his bloody hand for a moment. Other scenes include a character being punched in the face by a priest and thrown down church steps, and comedic training sequences where a character repeatedly falls and hits his groin on hurdles.
Language in The Ringer
Language is a key reason for the PG-13 rating. There is one use of the F-word. Other profanity includes several uses of terms for male anatomy ("cock," "prick," "wiener"), as well as "ass," "hell," "damn," "crap," and "S.O.B." Religious exclamations like "Oh God" and "Christ" are also used.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Ringer
Substance use is very mild. A main character's uncle is frequently seen smoking cigars. In one scene, a character is woken up and immediately says, "I don't have any pot," implying past use, though no drugs are shown.
Mature themes in The Ringer
The central theme is highly mature and sensitive, involving a man feigning an intellectual disability to defraud the Special Olympics. This deception is the core of the plot and is treated comedically, which may be offensive or difficult for some viewers. The film also explores themes of greed, exploitation, integrity, and ultimately, friendship and redemption as the protagonist learns from the athletes he intended to deceive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Ringer appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Ringer is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. In the comedy *The Ringer*, lovable but desperate Steve Barker fakes an intellectual disability to compete in and rig the Special Olympics, hoping to win money for his friend's surgery. The film's PG-13 rating is…
What age rating does The Ringer have?
The Ringer is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Ringer about?
In the comedy *The Ringer*, lovable but desperate Steve Barker fakes an intellectual disability to compete in and rig the Special Olympics, hoping to win money for his friend's surgery. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily due to its central, highly sensitive theme, as well as crude humor, language including a single…
Is there sex or nudity in The Ringer?
Contains some light crude sexual humor and innuendo. Characters make jokes about others' sex lives, using slang like "banging." A character is discovered to be cheating on his fiancée. Near the end of the film, two main characters share a romantic kiss.
How violent is The Ringer?
Violence is mostly comedic and slapstick in nature, though one scene is briefly graphic. Early in the film, a man's fingers are cut off by a lawnmower, and we see his bloody hand for a moment. Other scenes include a character being punched in the face by a…
Is the language in The Ringer appropriate for kids?
Language is a key reason for the PG-13 rating. There is one use of the F-word. Other profanity includes several uses of terms for male anatomy ("cock," "prick," "wiener"), as well as "ass," "hell," "damn," "crap," and "S.O.B." Religious exclamations like "Oh…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Ringer?
Substance use is very mild. A main character's uncle is frequently seen smoking cigars. In one scene, a character is woken up and immediately says, "I don't have any pot," implying past use, though no drugs are shown.
What mature themes appear in The Ringer?
The central theme is highly mature and sensitive, involving a man feigning an intellectual disability to defraud the Special Olympics. This deception is the core of the plot and is treated comedically, which may be offensive or difficult for some viewers. The…
How long is The Ringer?
The Ringer runs 94 minutes, directed by Barry W. Blaustein, released in 2005.
Where can I read the full The Ringer parent guide?
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