'Ringmaster' has lots of talk, little point

Connie is just one of many low-life characters out for a chance to shine in "Ringmaster." The movie is the story of a fictional talk show, its guests, and its annoying host, Jerry. In a brilliant stroke of originality, trash talk show host Jerry is played by trash talk show host Jerry Springer.

Courtesy of Artisan Entertainment In "Ringmaster," catch Jerry Springer talk with outrageous folks and sign autographs on women's T-shirts.

"Ringmaster," which is supposed to be a behind the scenes look at the workings of a television talk show, would have been much more interesting if it were an actual documentary on "The Jerry Springer Show."

The makers of the movie take elements of the talk show and try to translate them to the screen, but it just doesn't work. The audience is hit over the head with humor that isn't funny and a preachy finale which is about as appropriate as someone in a glass house throwing boulders.

"Ringmaster" relies on talk show brawls for much of its humor, but they don't pack the same punch as the television versions. Although, the fights on the real Springer show may or may not be staged, they're a lot more interesting to watch happen spontaneously than some choreographed skirmishes between actors for the movie.

Another downside is that the makers of the movie elevate the negative aspects of their guests to ridiculous extremes. After all, how many gals would really be thrilled to fly out to Los Angeles so that they could be worked on by a professional makeup artist?

The film's acting and talent is bottom of the barrel material; Springer basically plays himself, his big acting scenes consist of puzzled looks, and Michael Jai White ("Spawn"), the only other person of note, does nothing more than flex his rippling biceps.

"Ringmaster" builds to a fist-filled finale, where all the eclectic characters join together for a taping of "The Jerry Show." The show is actually funny for a few seconds, but the fights get old very fast.

The flick's low point comes when, during his time on the soapbox, Jerry is interrupted by a moralist who rags on the show. Jerry points out that the people on his show are no different and do the same things as the celebrities that this country places on pedestals. Right Jer, Monica and Bill are on the top of our pedestal these days.

Jerry finishes off his sermon with "This is a slice of American life and if you don't like it bite something else." Try your tongue, Jerry.

Those behind "Ringmaster" would have had much better results if they had gone for a Howard Stern "Private Parts"-style retelling of Springer's life. There, rather than playing a mysterious radio broadcaster named Howard, Stern traced his life up until his explosion of popularity. And it worked. And this doesn't.

11-30-98