Here's a film to watch if you're itching for some good laughs: Ping Pong Playa, directed by Jessica Yu.
The film focuses on Christopher "C-Dub" Wang, a 25-year-old slacker who would rather play video games all day and dream about starting up a t-shirt biz than get a job. Oh yeah, and he wants to play in the NBA. Jimmy Tsai, who also co-wrote the film, plays the role with good comedic timing. Among some of his character's notable traits is that he likes to school kids half his size (and age) on the basketball court.
The film is produced by Cherry Sky Films, the same folks who brought us Better Luck Tomorrow and Finishing the Game.
The film also makes good use of actor Roger Fan. He plays the goody-two-shoes brother of C-Dub, who happens to be an obedient son, great ping pong player and a doctor.
Ping pong seems to run through the family's blood: C-Dub's parents run and own Ping Pong Palace, a sports equipment store; his mom teaches ping pong at the local rec center; his brother is a ping pong champ.
When both C-Dub's mom and brother get injured and can no longer carry on the family tradition, C-Dub steps in. He begins teaching a group of kids at the community center. Since C-Dub is an overgrown kid himself, he gets along well with them.
The plot is pretty straight-forward and almost predictable, but I was still hooked.
Of course, the film's gotta end in the ultimate ping pong battle!
It plays at the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival Monday (March 17) at the Sundance Kabuki in San Francisco (already sold out, but you might be able to get rush tickets) and Saturday, March 22 at the Camera Cinemas in San Jose (tickets still available).
Check out the SFIAAFF schedule here.
Posted by momo at March 14, 2008 2:40 PM
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Saw this film last night at the Clay. It was pretty hilarious and all props to Jimmy Tsai for making his character so likable. I believe he's playing ping pong against all challengers today at the Peace Plaza in Japan Town.