THE DINK (2026)

July 23, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. In 2004, we had a film based on dodgeball, so it only makes sense that the hottest game going these days, Pickleball, gets its shot on the big screen. Josh Greenbaum (WILL & HARPER, 2024) directs a screenplay from Sean Clements (“Workaholics”), and the result is a comedy in the realm of films like HAPPY GILMORE (1996), KICKING & SCREAMING (2005), and yes, DODGEBALL: A TRUE UNDERDOG STORY (2004). The film tries (too) hard to generate laughs, and its best moments seem to be in the sincere intergenerational bond between two otherwise mismatched characters.

Jake Johnson (“New Girl”) stars as Dustin Boyd, a one-time tennis prodigy whose pro tennis career was derailed by a wrist injury. Having been cultivated from an early age by his father (think Todd Marinovich), the collapse of his career also caused a break in his relationship with dear old dad, Chuck (Ed Harris), who now owns and runs a prestigious tennis club where he allows Dustin to train rich kids … although he spends most of his time telling stories about ‘what could have been.’ As the popularity of pickleball grows, tennis traditionalist Chuck fights the pressure from the pickleball contingent led by Skip (the always great Patton Oswalt). A quirk in the club by-laws sets up a duel – a match between the tennis proponents and the pickleball group.

Circumstances shove Dustin into the pickleball universe, and it’s this route that offers him a shot at regaining dad’s respect. Actually, pickleball is prescribed to him by his unconventional doctor played by Ben Stiller (also a producer on the film). Dustin thinks the new game is hokey, but he finds a true friend in Candace (Oscar winner Mary Steenburgen). This contrasts with RJ, his loyal assistant at the club (played by Aaron Chen, George on “Fisk”), who worships Dustin, but hesitates to call him out. Dustin and Candace are surprisingly good together – not just as pickleball partners against Gail (Cleo King) and Judy (the late Lynne Marie Stewart, Miss Yvonne on “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse”) – but as true friends.

The duel – traditional versus contemporary – ends exactly how you would expect, and it’s elevated by surprise appearances from a couple of real life tennis legends during the match. Jake Johnson is at his comedic best in slightly awkward situations, but much of this one is so obvious and generic, it’s difficult to give much credit to the comedy. The use of Country music and the classic film, THE GRADUATE (1967) are especially nice touches, as are supporting roles from Christine Taylor (Stiller’s wife) and Martin Kove (THE KARATE KID). The pickleball fans out there deserve their moment on the big screen, and they will hopefully find a few more laughs than I did.

THE DINK will premiere globally on AppleTV on July 24, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

ZOOLANDER 2 (2016)

February 12, 2016

zoolander2 Greetings again from the darkness. Here comes yet another write up where I am out of step with the majority of film critics. While most are heaping hatred on it for idiocy and self-obsession, my response is … isn’t that the point of a sequel to Zoolander, itself a tribute to idiocy and self-obsession? Maybe the difference stems from my not being a big fan of the 2001 original. Granted, the sub-plot of child labor from the original was (and remains) a real world issue, while this one is fuzzy-focused on a plot to kill the beautiful people in hopes of finding the fountain of youth … less real world tragedy and more like holding a mirror up to society’s insecurities.

The fashion industry was skewered in the original, but couldn’t wait to embrace this sequel. In the 15 years since that first Zoolander, a symbiotic relationship has formed between TV – Movies – Music – Fashion. The lines are blurred now that actors have become models and models are acting. TV shows are built around fashion and fashion shows boost music. And all of these elements are tied into the explosion of social media outlets. The greatest impact yet is probably the fact that most every person has a camera (phone) attached to them at all times and in every environment … we have a citizenry of selfie-taking models.

What can’t be denied is that the sequel is a smorgasbord of celebrity cameos (some might call it overkill). There are times the cameos pop up so fast that it’s challenging to keep up. Spotting the celebs, following the sight gags and catching the one-liners … that’s the tripod on which writer/director/star Ben Stiller has built his Zoolander second home. Though it’s not as quotable as the original, the production value is much improved. Never is this more evident than the slick looking opening chase scene that sets the stage for national narcissism being attacked for the next 90 minutes.

Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson return as male models Derek Zoolander and Hansel, though when we first see them, they have been in years-long hiding … Derek claiming to live as a “hermit crab”. The film begins by catching us up on why they are in hiding (it’s related to Derek’s Center for Kids Who Can’t Read Good), and what’s up with others like Mugatu (Will Ferrell), Derek’s wife Matilda (Christine Taylor), and Billy Zane (Billy Zane). The gag is that Derek and Hansel are now “old and lame” … literally out of fashion in fashion.

As with most comedies, it’s best to avoid the trailer and any details or punchlines before walking into the theatre. You need only know that the old favorite characters are still here and an army of new ones (including Penelope Cruz and Kristen Wiig) arrive – some for a few scenes, others for only a few seconds. Satire is still the name of the game and the biggest fashion icons are front and center: Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, Valentino, Anna Wintour and “both Wangs”. A big assist goes to Kiefer Sutherland who joins in the fun of poking fun at his own image. There’s even a jab at celebrity political endorsements with the line “She’s hot. I trust her.”

Justin Theroux is back as Stiller’s co-writer and also plays a role in the sub-plot involving Derek’s son, and the script proudly plays homage to the original (as it should) while still moving into contemporary themes (as it should). So “Relax” (nod to Frankie) and take in the fun. It’s the type of fun akin to riding a roller coaster … fun while it lasts, and over when it’s over. To paraphrase Derek, it’s a ‘really really ridiculously’ good time.

No trailer posted (it’s for your own good!)

 

 

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Posted by David Ferguson