Balls of Fury Review
by Patiche (larts AT juno DOT com)August 28th, 2007
Written By: Thomas Lennon
Directed By: Robert Ben Gurantlsw
Produced by: Roger Binbaum, Gary Barber
The Cast Dan Fogler, Christopher Walken, Maggie Q,
Thomas Lennon, James Hong, Robert Patrick
Theatrical Release: August 31, 2007
Running Time: 90mins
Genre: Comedy, Action, Sports, Crime
Rated: PG-13
Distributor: Rogue Pictures
I didn't realize what a horrible ping pong player I was until I watched Rogue Pictures new release of "Balls of Fury." Ping-Pong is a favorite game of mine. As a teen I would rush to the neighborhood recreation center just to play this game beating, and at times losing to the best players at the center what a blast. "Balls of Fury" is a fun movie that offers an abundance of good comedy well played improvisation by lead actors Dan Fogler and James Wong. It's a cleverly done movie with a cleverly written script that in a whimsical way borrows from such blockbusters as "Enter the Dragon", and "Beerfest."
"Balls of Fury" is a movie that you just don't expect much from until you see it, the homosexual themes of boy meets boy are a bit dry in humor despite its attempt to be funny. "Balls of Fury" is a surprisingly good movie that's encompassed with good comedy, well- written script, plot, and spectacular views of this most beloved sport Ping-Pong. As for the cast, while they provide pretty good performances I won't say the acting is at its best however acting by the cast works quite well in "Ball of Fury."
The film begins at the annual international Ping-Pong tournament in Soul Korea, and young Randy Daytona is in the match again as the reigning champion his father a war Veteran, and chronic gambler (Robert Patrick) has betted on the game. His champion son must challenge Germanys great Karl Wolfschtagg (Thomas Lennon). Losing to the German champ Daytona's father is killed. Many years later Daytona (Dan Fogler) an adult now, and long forgotten Ping Pong champion is called on by FBI to help them catch, and break up an underground crime syndicate headed by crime boss Feng (Christopher Walken). Feng has established a kingdom of paradise for himself in a private jungle, and organizes Ping-Pong torments soliciting the best ping pong players in the world to compete, the losers in these torments are killed. Meanwhile Daytona meets Master Wong,( James Hong) a blind man, and restaurant owner along with his famed Ping-Pong champion niece. Together they train Daytona for Feng's annual mega Ping-Ping torment
When the FBI, Daytona, and Master Wong arrive to Feng's torment their mission begins, and more of Feng's underground world of crime, murder, and illegal weaponry is revealed. Feng's ultimate battle of survival against law enforcement takes a surprising twist what happens next?
Final Thoughts
Overall as I mentioned earlier "Balls of Fury" is a very entertaining movie, it offers good comedy, fairly good acting from the cast and an array of spectacular views of this most beloved sport ping pong you actually get a chance to see the best players in action. I especially found the appearance of the little dragon player to be cute, and adorable. If your looking for a good, comedy, and a fun movie to enjoy than catch "Balls of Fury" you'll enjoy it.
Reviewed by Lisa Smith
(c)2007
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