The Dink is a new film premiering on Apple TV later this week from producer Ben Stiller, and the first reviews have just arrived. Here’s what reviewers are saying.

The Dink hits Apple TV this Friday, here’s what reviews say

Ben Stiller’s 2004 film Dodgeball took an underdog sport and turned it into a beloved comedy. Now, Stiller is behind a new Apple film that aspires to do the same for pickleball.

The Dink premieres this Friday, July 24 on Apple TV. You can add it to your Watchlist here.

Early reviews dropped today, and they point to a fun, lighthearted summer popcorn flick that continues the tradition of similar sports comedies from the early 2000’s.

Here are a few excerpts from reviews:

• San Francisco Chronicle: “pays homage to the ‘00s sub-subgenre that included the gems Dodgeball and Talladega Nights”
• A.V. Club: “Johnson…finally gets the perfect starring role for his raspy-voiced charms and overworked confidence.”
• Next Best Picture: “all-around good time with good laughs and a strong heart. Its familiar beats are welcomed with open arms, and the laughs give the audience a pleasant reason to smile in these grueling, serious times”

Overall, while The Dink may not break new ground in the genre, it sounds like a fun sports comedy well worth a stream.

Here’s the plot summary followed by the trailer:

Washed up former tennis prodigy Dusty Boyd (Jake Johnson) has been reduced to coaching unruly children at his father Chuck’s (Ed Harris) suburban country club. Desperate for his father’s approval, Dusty blindly supports Chuck’s vendetta against the new craze taking over the club: pickleball. But when Dusty reaggravates an old injury, taking away his ability to play tennis, he resorts to the unthinkable in the name of rehab. He not only tries pickleball, but, thanks in part to his enchanting new partner, Candace (Mary Steenburgen), he finds himself actually enjoying it. Torn between two worlds, Dusty is forced to finally face the ghosts of his past athletic failures, including his childhood nemesis, Andy Roddick (Andy Roddick). Ultimately, Dusty is drawn into a desperate battle for the future of the club, his father’s affection and his very identity.

Do you plan to watch The Dink when it premieres? Let us know in the comments.

Apple TV is available for $12.99 per month, or you can get it discounted through the Apple One bundle.

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