Current Issue: 25
The Generation Issue
Celebrate Hyphen's tenth anniversary with Issue 25, featuring the legendary George Takei.
Directed by Jessica Yu
After a car accident puts Christopher "C-dub" Wang's table tennis-playing mom and brother out of commission, it's up to slacker C-dub to uphold the family business in Ping Pong Playa (2007). C-dub (Jimmy Tsai) has little interest in pingpong (he prefers to play video games in bed). But his family's livelihood and reputation depend on the sport, and the jobless C-dub is forced to sub for Mom as pingpong teacher at the local ree center. This parttime gig turns into a serious endeavor as various events unfold: A new, rival pingpong school (led by white instructors) tries to poach students; C-dub tries to impress the older sister of one of his protogés; and, finally, C-dub starts training to win the annual National Golden Cock tournament. The film is mostly fun and games, taking us on a cute romp through the usual parody of Rocky-esque training montages. But perhaps Its real value lies in C-dub's sometimes militant, always earnest diatribes about the Asian American experience. Co-starring Roger Fan as C-dub's overachieving doctor brother. DVD extras include two featurettes and audio commentary with Tsai and director Yu. - E.L.
Celebrate Hyphen's tenth anniversary with Issue 25, featuring the legendary George Takei.
The previous issue of Hyphen is available in its entirety for your perusing pleasure. Almost as good as having it right in your hands!