Though immensely stereotypical in both its story and characters, Ping Pong Playa scores high marks for its witty dialogue and clever style. As a result, what could have been seen as a sleep fest quickly proves itself as a film of intelligence and should be respected for what it has, not what it has not.
Starring the animated and often times dramatic Jimmy Tsai, the film's lead character is as irresistible as he is annoying. Tsai's Christopher 'C-dub' Wang is nothing more than a smart-ass hustler who blames genetics for his failure to make the NBA. As a consequence, Wang lives at home with his parents, works a dead end job and continues to settle within the shadow of his brother, Michael, a doctor and well-known ping pong champion. But that isn't all. As a result of Christopher's antics, his mother and brother are injured in a car crash, forcing the wannabe basketball star to switch sports, as he will now serve as a ping pong teacher and might have to fill his brothers' shoes in the upcoming ping pong tournament, a competition that is family relies on to make financial ends meet.
Now I know what you are saying, so? But I have to stress that the film isn't about the story. Instead, it is about the way director Jessica Yu captures the actors in their brightest moments, casting rays on their talent and showcasing their abilities to the rest of us. From Tsai's charismatic dialogue to his brother's facial expressions, everything is well-thought-out, making each movement and interaction as priceless as they could possibly get.
But it wasn't just the work of director Jessica Yu and lead-actor Jimmy Tsai. Also there for support were a slew of additional actors such as Andrew Vo, Khary Payton, Jim Lau and Elizabeth Sung. Though none of them were able to score the overwhelming laughs and smirks that resulted from Tsai's performance, each actor successfully portrayed their part/stereotype as they help complete the simple story and make it entertaining for those watching.
However, even with the great performances and direction, I can't get over the simplicity and generic state of the premise and script. Though it does contain some clever moments and addicting dialogue, the story in and of itself presents little substance. Instead, audiences get the same run-of-the-mill adventure, one that will have them sitting in disappointment as they realize that in the end, Ping Pong Playa is nothing new, nothing exciting and sadly, nothing worst boasting about.
