THE DINK (APPLE TV+) (2026)

SYNOPSIS: A washed-up tennis pro must play pickleball in this new comedy movie. 

MOVIE REVIEW:

Pickleball has become one of the trendiest sports in recent years. One of the reasons is perhaps because it’s cheap and easy to pick up, unlike its more “prestigious” cousin, tennis.

Written by Sean Clements (Parks and Recreation) and directed by Josh Greenbaum (Strays), The Dink stars Jake Johnson (Jurassic World) as Dusty, a former tennis pro who takes up pickleball after injuring his wrist for the umpteenth time.

It’s during this time that Dusty learns the tactics of pickleball from a seventy-ish lady, Candace (Mary Steenburgen) and gradually comes to embrace the sport while once again incurring the wrath of his demanding father, Chuck (Ed Harris), who looks down on his son for failing to become a professional tennis champion.

The Dink plays like a homage to sports comedies of the past such as Happy Gilmore and Dodgeball, though it’s far less raunchy and rowdy. Sure, it’s a decent underdog story about a man finding his footing, complete with a subplot that nearly ventures into May-December rom-com territory. Fortunately, it never materialises. For the most part, it’s an enjoyable watch, offering a couple of snickers and chuckles.

There are a few scenes that genuinely call for big laughs, such as a visit to the doctor played by Ben Stiller, who also serves as a producer. However, the improvisation between the two seems to land with a thud. Other supporting players include stand-up comedian Aaron Chen as Dusty’s sidekick, PJ and Patton Oswalt as pickleball enthusiast Skip. Both try hard to make an impression but are let down by unfunny dialogue. Ironically, it’s the veterans—Harris and Steenburgen who steal the show with their commanding performances and heartfelt chemistry with Johnson’s character.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a pickleball sports comedy without an obligatory climactic match between Dusty and real-life tennis champion Andy Roddick. You don’t need me to tell you the outcome. In the end, The Dink is an average sports comedy made for the streaming platform. It’s easy to watch but definitely not in the same league as Happy Gilmore or Dodgeball.

MOVIE RATING:

Review by Linus Tee