Apple's new movie, 'The Dink', is set to drop on July 24th, and it's generating a lot of buzz. The film, produced by Ben Stiller and directed by Josh Greenbaum, has an impressive comedy pedigree, with a cast that includes Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, and Aaron Chen. But the question on everyone's mind is: How does the movie translate the world of pickleball to the screen? As a PPR-certified pickleball instructor, I was tasked with assessing the cast's portrayal of the sport, and I can tell you, it's a fascinating watch. The movie captures the essence of the game, and the cast's real-life affinity for pickleball shines through. The film's earlier recreational play scenes successfully capture the community aspect of the sport, with Greenbaum highlighting the welcoming community he experienced when he first tried the game. The realism of the pickleball action is also impressive, with Johnson's portrayal of a former tennis prodigy struggling to adapt to the sport. The big game at the end looks terrific, with Greenbaum and his DP studying 'Rocky' and 'Raging Bull' to find the cinematic language to shoot the final match. But the real question is: Can the cast actually play? I got to find out for myself. I met several cast members at City Pickle in NYC and got to watch their on-court gameplay. The moment I saw Anna Leigh Waters, widely acknowledged as the best pickleball player in the world, I knew I was in for a challenge. But the cast's real-life skills were impressive, with Steenburgen, Chen, and Johnson all holding their own on the court. The movie treats the sport with an irreverent respect, and for those who are afraid it might make fun of the sport, fear not. 'The Dink' is a fun little flick that's accessible to everyone, and it has way more heart than a silly sports movie should. So, if you're a pickleball fan or just looking for a good laugh, 'The Dink' is definitely worth a watch.
