Ringmaster

Shock-talk TV host Jerry Springer makes his feature-film debut in Ringmaster and is, unfortunately, the least interesting aspect of this ragtag comedy that purports to be a behind-the-scenes look at the kind of people who regularly appear on his show. To be fair, Springer doesn't have much to do except play the often-befuddled moderator. The only time he breaks loose is to defend his guests' right to air their dirty laundry on national television. But most of the juicy lines and situations are assigned to the competent cast of trailer-park denizens who pop in and out of each other's beds and then go on TV to tell everyone about it. There's a hair-pulling scene about every 10 minutes or so. But unlike the nationally televised syndicated program, there is also a great deal of real nudity and unbleeped profanity. There aren't many surprises here, but the actors are amiable and attractive and don't play down to their characters. For all its raunchiness, Ringmaster doesn't have a mean bone in its body. The DVD is formatted in widescreen. Additional features include the film's trailer, a music video, production information, and a commentary from the director, Neil Abramson. --Richard Natale