Pickleball players share their thoughts on the movie 'The Dink'

The new Pickleball-themed movie "The Dink" debuted recently on Apple TV, and I watched it ... twice. I was eager to see how the sport was portrayed and I also knew my Pickleball students would be talking about it. Sure enough, it was a hot topic. Mixed reviews of "The Dink" At the center of the movi

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What is the story about?

The new Pickleball-themed movie "The Dink" debuted recently on Apple TV, and I watched it ... twice.

I was eager to see how the sport was portrayed and I also knew my Pickleball students would be talking about it. Sure enough, it was a hot topic.

Mixed reviews of "The Dink"

At the center of the movie was the classic battle for court space between tennis players and Pickleball fans.

Critics describe it as a predictable yet charming and big-hearted film, focusing on Jake Johnson and Mary Steenburgen as a former disgraced tennis star and a new senior Pickleball player. They pair up to practice and play and develop a charming friendship. Ed Harris does a good job as the overbearing father, and Patton Oswalt, Ben Stiller, John McEnroe offer up some good laughs. Jake ends up playing

against Andy Roddick in a Pickleball match with large ramifications.

Jake Johnson and Mary Steenburgen attend Apple TV's

Here is a sampling of the comments I heard from my students:

“Breezy, slapstick, cliché, reminds me of older sports comedies.”
“Predictable.”
“I wish it had leaned in harder on the actual sport.”
“I had to turn it off after 20 minutes.”
“Should have been more like “Dodgeball.”
“Good jokes about eating in the Kitchen from the older ladies.”
“Cringeworthy with the romantic situationship.”
“Cheesy comedy, but the Pickleball could have been higher quality.”
Funniest line: “Pickleball is the COVID 19 of sports.” (From Ed Harris, who was great as the dad.)
Ben Stiller prescribing Pickleball as therapy for a tennis injury!
Cowgirl Classic song, and line dancing scene were fun and show the friendship and camaraderie of Pickleball peeps.
The kids in the tennis lesson were funny!
The enthusiasm, relationships and pure joy on the court – this is so right on for Pickleball.

My thoughts on "The Dink"

Tennis and Pickleball had a huge conflict over court space, noise and need for more facilities. That started prior to COVID 19, when Pickleball started having bigger tournaments and more interest. The movie does a nice job on that aspect.

Older players discovered a new sport that came along just in time. Something motivating, social, fun and a reason to get up in the morning. People lost weight, made new friends, and found a way to meet that was not in a bar.

During the Pandemic, it was something you could do outside with just a few peeps. What a lifesaver!

The Pickleball skills in this movie do not do the sport justice. They could have added more competitive play as part of the plot, with real athletes competing. Most of my advanced players agreed with this.

But one thing is for certain. This movie coming out means Pickleball has arrived and will continue to grow and grow. Paddle up!

A chance to play and learn

Want to get involved in drill classes? Meet other players? Email me at mgbarsaleau@gmail.com and I can send you class information in Palm Desert and Palm Springs, and starting in October, in Rancho Mirage.

Play indoors in the air conditioning? Join my next social round robin on August 30^th. I can send you the flyer.

Check out the Tip section. I highlighted day and night- time league play opportunities with a contact phone and email. Hope to see you on the courts!