Jake Johnson just turned in an agreeable performance as the ex-husband in “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed” (my review), but his starring role in this film has none of those qualities. He plays a brash tennis pro who can’t seem to catch a break or get the approval of his dad (Ed Harris). When their club is invaded by geriatric pickleball players, he gets in the middle of the conflict, while befriending a member of the opposition (Mary Steenburgen). Fortunately, she’s sweetly charming, but can’t help bolster Johnson’s character. He’s the film’s biggest flaw. His character is never likable or remotely sympathetic. There are a few attempts at humor (Ben Stiller’s doctor was mildly amusing and Aaron Chen, as the sidekick, has a flat delivery that almost works). The story itself is an embarrassing assembly of trite plot points and tired stereotypes. Nothing about this film is remotely appealing. Interesting coincidence: Chris Parnell & Fortune Feimster were in this movie and they were both just in Will Farrell’s tennis movie “The Hawk” (my review). 1.0 out of 5.0 stars
