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    Ping Pong Summer

    Reviewed by
    pietroantoni@

    This 2014 family film takes place as a retro comedy in the summer of 1985. The film could never work had it been placed in the summer of 2014. Though Ping Pong Summer might appear only as a coming of age story of a 13 year old about to have the summer of his life, it's a bit more than that. MUCH OF THE FILM as the daily routine of Rad Miracle (the 13 year old) is pretty hum drum and boring when mid film, he meets a next door neighbour and unexpected mentor, an outcast older woman in the guise of Susan Sarandon who teaches this underdog of a kid a thing or two about life. I just about gave up on the movie when this sudden turn of events makes the film palatable and kind of sweet. Its meandering finally takes on a more definitive course with some actual meaning.

    Though the film doesn't have a thorough consistency in dialogue or visuals, it becomes an endearing experience due, for the most part, to the shy, bumbling performance of the teen Rad who appears to be the embodiment of every awkward kid who walked the earth. J. F. as the teen was perfect casting. He brings a vulnerability to the role that not many boys can deliver. For me the film felt like a slice of life of writer/director Michael Tully and his memoirs growing up in Maryland. The film is very engaging in a quiet, no nonsense way that is very appealing. But more Ping Pong Summer imparts some genuine feelings and truth on a whole host of subjects: it respects family life and values as they once were, unlike what we have today; finding a great bud and true friendship; feeling a first genuine crush; dealing with rich, racist local bullies; being kind hearted even with the neigbours and more. Ping Pong Summer deals with being an outsider sort of kid while feeling deep in your gut you're a pretty funky dude. It's this rite of passage we all go through.

    If I had to score PING PONG only on the earlier scenes I would probably have rated it about a 3. However, one soon learns this little film is doing and saying a hell of a lot more. You're right in there rooting for a great outcome! Hence... my 7.

    7
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    pietroantoni@  31.3.2015 age: 36-49 14,551 reviews

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