Ping Pong Playa

I don't like sports movies, but this film was the compromise choice for our family, our 18-year-old son who doesn't want serious drama, my wife who doesn't want even a whiff of violence, and me who would normally watch Lars von Trier or a Russian documentary.

But the whole family found something to laugh out loud at. Parts followed the nauseatingly sweet pattern of a Disney sports movie, but other parts would NEVER have appeared in a Disney movie. Not that they were violent or inappropriate, but just off message. That made the film rewarding.

If you want to pass a few hours being mindlessly entertained, this movie is for you.

I absolutely loved this movie. I loved it for two reasons: the plot line and the overwhelming sense of stupidity. This movie reminded me of Napoleon Dynamite. It was pretty funny even though the main character is a complete tool. The racial slurs in this movie just add to the stupidity of it. Ever race has stereotypes for each other and it's good to sometimes laugh at them instead of being offended. Overall, I think this movie is pretty great. I wouldn't say this movie is for families, just because of how one of the kids acts. I would say that it's a movie more appropriate for older high schoolers and young adults. Childish and juvenile as this movie may be, the younger generation finds that kind of thing hilarious(me included).

This funny movie plays on stereotypes... in a way that doesn't offend. The main character desperately wishes to be a basketball great, yet his hoop dreams are never fulfilled, due in part to his ineptitude and cultural background (lack of support culturally). When his mother is injured the protagonist is needed to teach ping-pong classes against his wishes, over time he slowly rises to the challenge, with some funny results. Thankfully it lacks the typical romantically driven plot associated with many comedies, thought a boy meets girl vibe does exist. In essence a "fish out of water" tale with surprising results. It is a comedy without rude and vulgar humor, yet still funnier than most that utilize such. Pleasantly surprising in almost every way.

(my first review. bare in mind that I judge movies by genre, i.e.: a "good" comedy may not be as "good" as an equally rated drama, or thriller, etc...).

The title of this film was a bit confusing--as is the main character. "Ping Pong Playa" is hip-hop for "Ping Pong PLAYER". Chris is a very annoying young man. He has visions of becoming an NBA star--though he is in his 20s, never played a higher level of basketball than junior varsity and he's really not that good. In fact, he's a pathetic loser who plays pick-up games for cash....against children! He also talks like a hip-hop wannabe--something that is strange coming from a Chinese-American. And, to top it off, he's very annoying and a guy who's easy to dislike.

Chris goes through life losing jobs and amounting to nothing until one day there is an accident. His mother and brother have their wrists injured--and this is a problem as the family (aside from Chris) are ping pong wizards--owning their own ping pong store and being ping pong champs. So, it's up to Chris to take over the class--and he teaches the kids next to nothing. Yet, oddly, they idolize him. What's next? See this incredibly strange sports movie and find out for yourself. Will Chris rise to the occasion or will he continue to be an embarrassment to his hardworking family?

There were a few things I liked about the film--beginning with the words from the opening rap song. I also loved the little kids--they were cute and provided interesting 'friends' for Chris. And, I liked how ridiculous Chris looked driving a teeny, tiny motor scooter! My only reservations are that the film is formulaic (and aren't most sports films?) and Chris is a bit too annoying at times and he really is awfully easy to hate. Still, it's a cute little independent film and I'd like to see more from these folks. Worth seeing.

I first saw this movie about 2 years ago and thought it was quite funny. After Linsanity earlier this year, I watched the movie again and there are some amazing parallels with Jeremy Lin's story, to the point that one would think this was written loosely about Jeremy Lin. What's more incredible is that Jeremy Lin ends up wearing a Rockets jersey, so C-Dub looks vaguely more like Jeremy Lin the second time around.

Anyone who wants to see some humor around stereotypes (both false and true) and loves Jeremy Lin's story should go see it. My family loved watching this movie the second time around and we recommend it.

Of course, Jimmy Tsai and Jessica Yu should be given a lot of credit for putting together a feel good movie that I can associate with. If anyone deserves to play Jeremy Lin in a future movie, it should be Jimmy Tsai. And, Jessica Yu, who is known for her documentaries should be able to tell the Jeremy Lin's story as good as any director.