Let’s be real: we are currently living in a Pickleball World, and Josh Greenbaum is just making us pay rent.
Apple TV+ just dropped a fresh look at The Dink, and if you’ve been waiting for a reason to finally care about the sport that’s taking over every tennis court in America, this is it. Between Jake Johnson’s signature “charming mess” energy and the literal icon that is Mary Steenburgen, this movie looks like the cinematic equivalent of a perfect summer drink—crisp, a little silly, and goes down easy.
The Vibe Check
Director Josh Greenbaum (the mastermind behind the cult-classic fever dream Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) seems to be bringing that same heightened, neon-soaked absurdity to the court.
Here’s why The Dink is officially on our radar:
The Legend Factor: We’re getting Mary Steenburgen and Ed Harris. Seeing Ed Harris—a man who usually radiates “I have seen the depths of the human soul”—trading volleys in a pickleball comedy is the kind of chaotic casting that makes life worth living.
The Johnson Special : Jake Johnson plays a failed tennis pro forced to play the “lesser” sport to save his dad’s club. It’s the perfect playground for his frantic, fast-talking brand of comedy.
The Stiller Touch: Ben Stiller is producing and popping up in a supporting role. Given his history with Dodgeball, he knows exactly how to make niche sports funny without punching down.
Why July 24 Can’t Come Fast Enough
The “sports underdog” trope is as old as time, but setting it in the middle of the pickleball craze feels incredibly sharp. It’s a sport that people either take way too seriously or mock relentlessly—there is no middle ground. The Dink looks like it’s going to live comfortably in that tension.
The first stills of Johnson and Steenburgen already promise a dynamic that’s equal parts heart and high-velocity sarcasm. While Apple TV+ has been leaning heavy into the prestige dramas lately, this feels like a pivot back to the feel-good, laugh-out-loud energy of Ted Lasso.
The Verdict
If you’re tired of gritty reboots and want to watch talented people be genuinely funny in matching polos, this is your movie. Set your reminders for July 24. Even if you hate the sport, you’re probably going to love the hustle.
