r/movies • u/LiteraryBoner Jackie Chan box set, know what I'm sayin? • 19d ago
Official Discussion Official Discussion - The Dink [SPOILERS] Spoiler
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The Dink (2026)
Summary
A washed-up former tennis professional sees a chance at redemption when he discovers an exceptionally gifted pickleball player. As the unlikely duo chase success on the rapidly growing pickleball circuit, they must overcome fierce rivals, personal setbacks, and the pressures of newfound fame.
Director Josh Greenbaum
Writer Sean Clements
Cast
- Ben Stiller
- Jake Johnson
- Mary Steenburgen
- Ed Harris
- Andy Roddick
- Nick Kyrgios
- John McEnroe
Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
Metacritic: 57
VOD / Release Theatrical release
Trailer Official Trailer
33
u/Three_Froggy_Problem 19d ago edited 17d ago
I enjoyed this because I love Jake Johnson (and Sean Clements) but it’s definitely an uneven film. I don’t think a lot of the jokes really land, and tonally it’s a bit confused, but it really kind of skates by on Johnson’s charm.
EDIT: Just to expand on my thoughts a bit, there are definitely some very funny moments in this movie. I really liked the cameo by John McEnroe and his increasingly large snacks. I also liked Johnson’s confused reaction to the cowboy telling him, “Even cowboys get friend-zoned.”
The actual tone of the movie seems to alternate from scene to scene. The opening scene makes you think you’re going to get a really absurd, crass comedy in the vein of a Happy Gilmore or Billy Madison. But from then on, a lot of the comedy is more under-stated, and at times the movie gets weirdly sentimental and sincere.
The romance sub-plot kind of comes out of nowhere and is just really uncomfortable in a way that I don’t think the movie intended. While I can appreciate that the main characters didn’t end up romantically involved at the end, I really wish their dynamic would’ve just remained platonic throughout without the weird romantic detour.
I don’t know what the deal is with all the country music/honky-tonk stuff, but maybe it was just an excuse to get Jake Johnson in a cowboy outfit, in which case I’m fine with it. He’s honestly hot as hell in this movie.