Rated PG-13 for crude and sex-related humor, and for language.
Directed by Robert Ben Garant (Reno 911)
Starring Dan Fogler, Maggie Q, Thomas Lennon, George Lopez, James Hong, Jason Scott Lee, Aisha Tyler, and Christopher Walken
Balls of Fury is a movie about underground ping-pong…seriously how good could it be??
Set in the unsavory world of underground Ping-Pong, Balls of Fury is about Randy Daytona (Dan Fogler), a former professional Ping-Pong phenom, who’s father was killed by Feng (Christopher Walken), one of the FBI's Most Wanted. Out of the game of ping-pong, Randy is now a lame Vegas act until FBI Agent Rodriguez (George Lopez) recruits him to go undercover on a deadly, secret mission. Master Wong (James Hong), a blind Ping-Pong legend and restaurant owner provides Randy with much needed training and spiritual guidance. Their journey leads them to Feng's mysterious jungle compound and the most unique “sudden-death” Ping-Pong tournaments ever.
Jonathan's Word: I wish this movie was void of some of the raunchy humor, because it was hilarious. Kung Fu movie buffs will especially appreciate this side-splitting spoof.
Todd’s Word: I wish this movie was good!! O.K. seriously, there are definitely some funny moments like early on when we see Randy do his Vegas act. I was crying when he was repeatedly hitting an audience member with the ping-pong ball. But when I saw the same gag later on…it wasn’t funny at all. Not to mention it was like watching a Def Leppard musical.
Jonathan's Word: Like that’s bad? Def Leppard rocks! (I actually did like the numerous Def Leppard moments.)
Seriously… the talent really impressed me in this film. We knew Walken would be funny. But no-name Dan Fogler really captured the lead role. This guy could be the next Jack Black.
Todd’s Word: I think you got hit with a couple ping-pong balls yourself. The only thing I agree with in that comment is Dan Fogler is a no-name. And while I’ll admit he was pretty funny, he is no where near Jake Black Funny. As far as Christopher Walken goes, I would so much rather see him talk about where he hid a wrist watch for the last few years (Pulp Fiction) than be dressed up as some ridiculous underground ping-pong godfather.
Jonathan's Word: Wow. You really should see someone about all that bent up frustration.
Yes, I agree that Fogler is no Jack Black. Note I said that he “could” be. He’s pretty funny. And the film actually had a lot of great cameo roles. Diedrich Bader (Surf's Up, Office Space, or Rex Quan Do from Napoleon Dynamite), was my favorite by far. His outtakes with the panda killed me.
Todd’s Word: O.K. I’ll give you that one…and I agree the whole panda gag was pretty hilarious. I also thought George Lopez was funny and I never got tired of James Hong and the blind jokes.
Jonathan's Word: Let’s be honest. It was corny, predictable and across the line at times. But original dialogue and strong performances saved it. Definitely worth the rent.
Todd's Word: I agree, it was corny, predictable and crossed some lines but I’m guessing most people would expect that with a title like Balls of Fury. It was O.K. and definitely worth the rent if you have a free rental coupon.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
I’d rather not allow my kids to see anything that comes from the mind that makes Reno 911. Too much raunchy humor in this one. Too bad. If it was clean, it would have made a great film to show at movie night at youth group. But you don’t want to try that as it is.
Side Note:
As said above, we don’t recommend your kids see this film. But on the occasion that they actually have already seen it, you may want to dialogue about the film with them. These questions below may be a help to you.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
