Film Review – The Dink (2026)

      The Dink, 2026.

      Directed by Josh Greenbaum.

      Featuring Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Andy Roddick, Aaron Chen, Ben Stiller, Chloe Fineman, Patton Oswalt, John McEnroe, Martin Kove, Chris Parnell, and Christine Taylor.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A former tennis star attempts to save a club by reluctantly participating in pickleball to gain his father’s respect.

      Director Josh Greenbaum’s comedy The Dink, which features a screenplay by debut writer Sean Clements, has an old-school Adam Sandler vibe that makes it amusing and endearing enough to succeed. Much like some of Sandler's most popular films, it revolves around a protagonist who has become a bit of a slacker while still yearning for his father's validation.

      Jake Johnson plays Dusty Boyd, a character introduced trying to teach a group of children tennis. Once hailed as a tennis prodigy nicknamed The Hammer for his powerful serves, Dusty's career was abruptly halted due to a bathroom break injury and a forfeit against Andy Roddick (who plays himself in the film). Greenbaum, known for his sports documentaries and genuine passion for them, successfully attracts real sports stars for notable roles. However, the kids remain uninterested and urge Dusty to stop talking and let them play.

      The only one showing any interest is Dusty’s dim-witted long-time friend PJ (Aaron Chen), who not only idolizes the has-been but also gullibly accepts whatever he hears, like the notion that he lost because Roddick was scared and caused the wet floor that led to Dusty’s injury. This character's stupidity occasionally distracts from the otherwise relatable characters and humor of the story.

      Dusty’s father and former mentor, Chuck (Ed Harris, embodying a no-nonsense role that sharply contrasts Johnson's playful demeanor), owns the country club, which is facing challenges due to the rise of pickleball, primarily popular among older women, spurred by Patton Oswalt’s Skip, who suggests renovating the deteriorating courts or converting tennis courts for pickleball use. Chuck is offended by this idea, viewing pickleball as akin to a societal decline and seeking a symbolic solution.

      This solution presents itself in the form of a match between a tennis player and a pickleball player. Skip is set to represent pickleball, while Dusty wishes to stand in for his father, eager for one more chance to earn his pride, even as Chuck seems inclined to choose someone else.

      For comedic purposes early in the film, Dusty is again nursing an injured hand and receives some humorous advice from his doctor (a memorable Ben Stiller in a brief role), mixed with juvenile innuendos about not using that hand for certain activities and a practical suggestion that while tennis is off the table, pickleball is less demanding and could keep him active during recovery.

      The film also explores Dusty’s personal life, including his failed relationship with Marisa (Chloe Fineman in a notable cameo) and his smug attitude, particularly regarding older women encroaching on his tennis space for pickleball. After a chance encounter with Candace (Mary Steenburgen), he discovers she plays pickleball where he secretly goes to practice during his rehabilitation.

      Surprisingly, while The Dink features plenty of broad humor (even John McEnroe shows up in what resembles a recurring gag), the plot develops into a potential romance highlighting an age gap, as Dusty learns to enjoy pickleball and becomes a part of Candace’s life as she navigates moving on from her past relationship. It’s also about Dusty overcoming his superiority complex; for example, he initially scoffs at a country music playlist she sends but ultimately decides to listen, mirroring his approach to pickleball. This subplot adds a welcome layer of maturity to the otherwise lighthearted film.

      The climax, an important match to determine the club's future, includes a few predictable twists but remains entertaining. While not every aspect of The Dink hits the right tone, it's a pleasant surprise that it has more depth than just silly humor. The true accomplishment lies in balancing character development and emotion with laughter.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder