Fox’s feature film THE RINGER opened on December 23rd starring Edward Barbanell and John Taylor, both gifted actors with Down syndrome

In 2000 I had the opportunity to read a script to be produced by the Farrelly Brothers (“Something About Mary,” “Dumb and Dumber,” “Stuck on You”) about a man who infiltrates the Special Olympics and pretends to be an athlete to fix the games in order to win a bet and make money to help a friend with a medical expense. Being that I am a big fan of comedy and find a lot of it in my life with my son Blair, 26 with Down syndrome, the idea intrigued me. I thought wouldn’t it be great to see people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities get an opportunity to act in a comedy?

In early October I attended a screening of “The Ringer” and was pleased. The story may be a little formula, but seriously are there any new plots left? The beginning could be a little tough to watch for some parents because in setting up the story to make the arch to redemption at the end they includes a couple references to “tards,” but once past the set-up you are in for an amazing ride of pure joy and inclusion.

Early on I spent time talking with director Barry Blaustein about the depiction of the athletes and the typical actors who would be playing some of the characters with disabilities. Barry and his actors took this depiction very seriously and did an amazing job. Johnny Knoxville plays “Jeffy” the impostor (and is of course over the top as he should be) who develops friendships with 6 other athletes. Four are played by typical actors and two by wonderful actors with Down syndrome; Eddie Barbanell and John Taylor are wonderful additions to the cast and steal their scenes. Other than the four characters played by typical actors, I believe every other athlete is played by a true Special Olympic Athlete, and yes the film is approved by Special Olympics.

 

 

I believe any teen or adult with DS would enjoy this film. I think our kids know that they can be the subject of name calling and will overlook the beginning slams and enjoy the power and friendship of the group surrounding Jeffy. Our guys come out looking just like everyone else, just people. The best part is the film is geared not to us, parents and advocates for people with disabilities, but to typical teens and young adults who will leave the film a little more enlightened. As advocates we need to help this film have a great box office, so over the holidays be sure the one film you see is “The Ringer.” I give the film 4 ½ Chromosomes on a scale of 1 to 5.

 

Rapid Eye Productions would like to thank everyone who participated in the survey for the screenplay ONE DAY and invite you to view the project’s progress by clicking here.