Release Date: August 29th, 2007 by Rogue Pictures. The Cast: Dan Fogler, George Lopez, Maggie Q, James Hong, David Koechner, Jason Scott Lee, Patton Oswalt, Terry Crews, Thomas Lennon, Christopher Walken. Directed by Ben Garant. BASIC PREMISE: FBI Agent Ernie Rodriguez (Lopez) recruits Randy (Fogler) to infiltrate a ping pong tournament hosted by Master Feng (Walken), the leader of a Chinese mob who had killed Randy’s father and now has more evil plans on way. ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: This whacky comedy has more comic energy than the dull Hot Rod and the painfully juvenile, unfunny Superbad. Dan Fogler, who channels Jack Black in his appearance and performance, plays Randy, a young man who had once lost an important ping pong tournament at the age of 12. He also lost his father when Master Feng killed him during a tournament. Thanks to FBI Agent Rodriguez, he has the chance to revenge his father’s death and to win the ping pong tournament. What follows are a series of visual gags, outrageous humor and hilarious one-liners by co-writer/director Ben Garant. The plot never takes itself too seriously and, even though some scenes fall flat with repetitive sight gags, at least the delightful cast has a lot of silly fun in their roles, especially Christopher Walken, who, just as expected, steals the show with his mere presence. Despite its outlandish premise, Balls of Fury has enough laughs to keep you wildly entertained for 90 minutes, an ideal running time for a comedy—unlike Superbad and Knocked Up, which were nearly 2 hours. SPIRITUAL VALUE: None is required or desired. INSULT TO YOUR INTELLIGENCE: None, as long as you suspend your disbelief and check your brain at the door. NUMBER OF TIMES I CHECKED MY WATCH: 0 IN A NUTSHELL: A wild, whacky and uproarious comedy. RECOMMENDED WAY TO WATCH: Movie Theater. Main Page Alphabetical Menu Chronological Menu The "B" Menu ______________________________________________________ |