Apple's new sports comedy, The Dink, is a mixed bag. For one, its lead, Jake Johnson, is likeable enough. But can he carry this kind of a formulaic sports story, and to new, unexplored heights? Well, yes - and no. But it doesn't hurt that his efforts are nicely assisted by the charms of Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, Ben Stiller, and even the former world no. 1 ranked tennis player, Andy Roddick. Yes, The Dink is that kind of a sports comedy: a once-upon-a-time promising prodigy is now past his prime, but given another shot to prove his athletic greatness at early middle age, can he rise to the occasion?
Banter between Johnson and Steenburgen is well handled here; they have great chemistry as actors, even as their characters fail to connect romantically (and for once, it isn't for reasons you'd think). Roddick's cameo is well used, and the retired tennis player holds his own, never overplaying his hand. Although The Dink is unlikely to make you laugh excessively, you will find yourself smiling a lot. Given how difficult it is to accomplish that these days, one may chalk it up as a half-win.
☆☆1/2
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