The Dink
What’s it rated? PG-13
When? 2026
Where’s it showing? Apple TV
Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, Strays, Will & Harper) directs Sean Clements’ script about Dustin “The Hammer” Boyd (Jake Johnson), a former tennis prodigy trained by his domineering father, Chuck (Ed Harris, at his most taciturn). Tragically, Dustin broke his wrist in his first pro match with a young Andy Roddick, losing his opportunity at a pro career, and he now works as an instructor at his father’s tennis club, still dreaming of both professional redemption and his father’s respect.
Meanwhile, Chuck’s dealing with a segment of his club that’s lobbying for more pickleball courts, but Chuck decides to use an arcane club rule using a tennis duel to keep the pickleballers from converting more tennis courts. Want to guess if pickleball-hating Dustin will come around to the sport? He winds up being a playing partner with Candace (a radiant Mary Steenburgen), and everyone learns valuable lessons, yada-yada.
It’s all lightweight fun, with a great cast including Ben Stiller, Fortune Feimster, and Chris Parnell. Aaron Chen is fun as PJ, Dustin’s sycophantic assistant. Tennis greats Andy Roddick and John McEnroe play themselves. I wouldn’t sign up for Apple TV for it, but if you already subscribe, it’s a charming little diversion. (102 min.)
—Glen Starkey
This article appears in August 20 – August 27, 2026.
