The Dink, Apple TV's latest comedy venture from Ben Stiller, is set to premiere this Friday, July 24, and early reviews are in. The film, which pays homage to the beloved sports comedies of the early 2000s, particularly Stiller's own Dodgeball, is a lighthearted summer flick that promises good laughs and a strong heart. Here's a deeper dive into what the reviews are saying and why this movie might be worth a watch.
A Fun, Familiar Sports Comedy
The Dink, as the name suggests, revolves around the world of pickleball, a sport that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The story follows Dusty Boyd (Jake Johnson), a washed-up former tennis prodigy who finds himself coaching unruly children at his father's suburban country club. Dusty's desperate for his father's approval, which leads him to support his father's vendetta against the new pickleball craze. But when Dusty reaggravates an old injury, he's forced to try pickleball, and surprisingly, he starts to enjoy it. The film explores Dusty's journey as he navigates his past athletic failures, including a childhood rivalry with Andy Roddick (played by, you guessed it, Andy Roddick).
The reviews highlight the film's ability to capture the essence of a fun, lighthearted sports comedy. The San Francisco Chronicle review praises the film for paying homage to the '00s sub-subgenre of sports comedies, specifically mentioning Dodgeball and Talladega Nights. The A.V. Club review focuses on Jake Johnson's performance, describing it as the perfect starring role for his raspy-voiced charms and overworked confidence. The Next Best Picture review emphasizes the film's all-around good time, good laughs, and strong heart, making it a welcome familiar beat in these serious times.
A Heartwarming Story with a Strong Heart
One of the key aspects of The Dink that reviewers seem to appreciate is its heart. The film explores themes of family dynamics, personal growth, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. Dusty's journey is not just about sports; it's about facing his fears, learning to let go of past failures, and finding acceptance. The relationship between Dusty and his father, Chuck (Ed Harris), is a central focus, and the film does a good job of capturing the complexities of their relationship.
A Must-Watch for Sports Comedy Fans
While The Dink may not break new ground in the genre, it seems to have hit the mark with its fun, lighthearted approach to sports comedy. The film's ability to capture the spirit of the early 2000s sports comedies, combined with its heartwarming story, makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre. The Dink is a reminder that sometimes, a familiar story can be just as enjoyable and entertaining as something new and groundbreaking.
So, if you're a fan of sports comedies or just looking for a fun, lighthearted summer flick, The Dink might be just what you need. Add it to your Watchlist and get ready for some good laughs and a strong heart!
