In a light-hearted sports comedy produced and starring Jake Johnson, the film humorously explores the realm of pickleball and its perceived threat to the traditional sport of tennis. The narrative centers around Dusty (Johnson), a middle-aged man who has been humorously dubbed “The Hammer.” Once a promising tennis player, Dusty’s career took a nosedive following a cringe-worthy encounter with the young Andy Roddick, who appears as himself in a cameo. Dusty now finds himself coaching at the tennis club owned by his father, played by Ed Harris, who disapprovingly regards Dusty’s every move.
The only aspect that allows Dusty to regain his sense of masculinity and athletic pride is his intense disdain for pickleball, a sport seen as trivial and primarily enjoyed by children and seniors. Tensions rise when he engages in a spirited argument with Candace (Mary Steenburgen), an enthusiastic supporter of pickleball, who is allowed to use one of the club’s smaller courts.
Things take a turn when Dusty’s physician, portrayed by Ben Stiller, suggests that he take up pickleball as a means of recovery from a wrist injury. This recommendation leads to a series of humorous situations, including numerous jokes about “self-pleasure.” To Dusty’s surprise, he starts to appreciate the game, noting its slower pace and the strategic “dink” shot. His feelings for Candace also deepen, although the film hesitates to fully address the complexities of their age difference.
No tennis-themed comedy would be complete without a cameo from John McEnroe, who appears as himself, offering his famously intense commentary during a pivotal match between Dusty and Roddick. The film also features strong performances from Australian comedian Aaron Chen, who plays Dusty’s overly submissive friend PJ, and Patton Oswalt as the enthusiastic pickleball player Slip. However, fans of the show 30 Rock might feel disappointed by the limited appearance of Chris Parnell, known for his role as Dr. Spaceman.
The Dink will be available for streaming on Apple TV starting July 25.
