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by Jonathan McKee and Todd Pearage Rated PG-13 for crude and sex-related humor, and for language. Directed by Robert Ben Garant (Reno 911) Starring Dan Fogler, Maggie Q, Thomas Lennon, George Lopez, James Hong, Jason Scott Lee, Aisha Tyler, and Christopher Walken Jonathan's Rating: Rental Todd's Rating: Only if Free Set in the unsavory world of underground Ping-Pong, Balls of Fury is about Randy Daytona (Dan Fogler), a former professional Ping-Pong phenom, who’s father was killed by Feng (Christopher Walken), one of the FBI's Most Wanted. Out of the game of ping-pong, Randy is now a lame Vegas act until FBI Agent Rodriguez (George Lopez) recruits him to go undercover on a deadly, secret mission. Master Wong (James Hong), a blind Ping-Pong legend and restaurant owner provides Randy with much needed training and spiritual guidance. Their journey leads them to Feng's mysterious jungle compound and the most unique “sudden-death” Ping-Pong tournaments ever. Jonathan's Word: I wish this movie was void of some of the raunchy humor, because it was hilarious. Kung Fu movie buffs will especially appreciate this side-splitting spoof. Todd’s Word: I wish this movie was good!! O.K. seriously, there are definitely some funny moments like early on when we see Randy do his Vegas act. I was crying when he was repeatedly hitting an audience member with the ping-pong ball. But when I saw the same gag later on…it wasn’t funny at all. Not to mention it was like watching a Def Leppard musical. Jonathan's Word: Like that’s bad? Def Leppard rocks! (I actually did like the numerous Def Leppard moments.) Seriously… the talent really impressed me in this film. We knew Walken would be funny. But no-name Dan Fogler really captured the lead role. This guy could be the next Jack Black. Todd’s Word: I think you got hit with a couple ping-pong balls yourself. The only thing I agree with in that comment is Dan Fogler is a no-name. And while I’ll admit he was pretty funny, he is no where near Jake Black Funny. As far as Christopher Walken goes, I would so much rather see him talk about where he hid a wrist watch for the last few years (Pulp Fiction) than be dressed up as some ridiculous underground ping-pong godfather. Jonathan's Word: Wow. You really should see someone about all that bent up frustration. Yes, I agree that Fogler is no Jack Black. Note I said that he “could” be. He’s pretty funny. And the film actually had a lot of great cameo roles. Diedrich Bader (Surf's Up, Office Space, or Rex Quan Do from Napoleon Dynamite), was my favorite by far. His outtakes with the panda killed me. Todd’s Word: O.K. I’ll give you that one…and I agree the whole panda gag was pretty hilarious. I also thought George Lopez was funny and I never got tired of James Hong and the blind jokes. Jonathan's Word: Let’s be honest. It was corny, predictable and across the line at times. But original dialogue and strong performances saved it. Definitely worth the rent. Todd's Word: I agree, it was corny, predictable and crossed some lines but I’m guessing most people would expect that with a title like Balls of Fury. It was O.K. and definitely worth the rent if you have a free rental coupon. SHOULD KIDS SEE IT? I’d rather not allow my kids to see anything that comes from the mind that makes Reno 911. Too much raunchy humor in this one. Too bad. If it was clean, it would have made a great film to show at movie night at youth group. But you don’t want to try that as it is. 
Jonathan McKee, president of The Source for Youth Ministry, is the author of numerous
youth ministry books including the brand new Connect: Real Relationships
in a World of Isolation, and the award winning books Do They
Run When They See You Coming? and Getting Students to
Show Up. He speaks and trains at camps, conferences, and
events across North America, and provides free resources for youth workers internationally on his website,
TheSource4YM.com.
Todd Pearage is a movie buff at heart, but he's not your traditional film critic.
Todd is a blue collar film geek, from his job years ago at Blockbuster to his heartfelt online movie reviews. But
Todd isn't just a film geek. He has worked with middle and high school students since 1991 as a youth pastor in
Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. Todd and his wife Lynda are both graduates of Philadelphia Biblical
University and have two children, Brianna and Caleb. Todd loves sports and movies and is always up for a good laugh.
He is a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and his favorite movies include Braveheart and Tommy Boy. Todd's reviews
reflect his love for kids and for his family.
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