Pickleball steals the show in ‘The Dink’

The tennis establishment clashes with pickleball fans in "The Dink," a new comedy that echoes the underdog spirit of "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story." The film centers on Dusty, a once-promising tennis prodigy who carries a deep disdain for the sport of pickleball. His journey forces him to confront his own arrogance and prejudices.

Dusty, nicknamed "The Hammer" by his domineering father Chuck, was groomed for tennis stardom from birth. However, his career flamed out early, and he now teaches tennis to bored children, recounting his past glories. His only friend is PJ, an earnest and quirky sycophant played by Australian comedian Aaron Chen.

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He called his son 'The Hammer' long before he’d even told him his real name.

Dusty's animosity towards pickleball is intense, making his doctor's recommendation for it as rehab for a wrist injury feel like a cruel sentence. However, his perspective begins to shift as he starts playing with a group of older women, including Candace (Mary Steenburgen), Gail (Cleo King), and Judy (Lynne Marie Stewart). Jake Johnson delivers a strong performance as the flawed protagonist, while Ed Harris perfectly embodies the alpha dad. The film also benefits from a cast of talented comic actors in supporting roles, including Ben Stiller, Patton Oswalt, Chloe Fineman, and Chris Parnell.

Directed by Josh Greenbaum, "The Dink" successfully balances silliness with heartfelt moments. It avoids making pickleball players the sole target of its jokes, instead treating the subject with a degree of affection. The film contains a standout comedic sequence, described as ridiculous and perfect, that does not involve the main characters but is a highlight of the year's comedies. Greenbaum, known for "Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar," is establishing himself as a reliable director of comedies.

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One of his new friends says she thinks he looks like Timothée Chalamet; He laughs that no one has ever said, or thought, that before.