Watch Ping Pong Playa

The 2007 film Ping Pong Playa is a refreshing and hilarious comedy that follows the story of Christopher "C-Dub" Wang, a man whose aspirations of basketball stardom are ultimately dashed when he is forced to take over his family's ping-pong business. The film takes place in the suburbs of California's San Gabriel Valley, a region known for being home to a large Asian-American population. C-Dub (played by Jimmy Tsai), is a 26-year-old Chinese-American living at home with his parents and younger brother Michael (played by Andrew Vo) who is a ping-pong prodigy. C-Dub, however, is anything but a prodigy. His ion has always been basketball, but he never quite made it in the sport despite his efforts.

C-Dub is content with his life as a slacker, spending his time playing video games, hanging out with his friends, and dreaming of striking it rich with his basketball skills. This all changes when his parents are involved in a car accident and need him to temporarily take over their ping-pong business until they recover.

C-Dub reluctantly agrees, but finds himself struggling to connect with the sport. He is torn between his own ion for basketball and the expectations of his family and the community around him. In the midst of this, he has to deal with the sudden popularity of his brother Michael, whose ping-pong skills have made him a local hero.

Along the way, C-Dub begins to learn more about himself, his family, and the sport of ping-pong. He meets a colorful cast of characters, including a retired ping-pong player played by the legendary Roger Fan, and a rival ping-pong player played by Khary Payton.

The film is full of hilarious moments, touching scenes, and valuable lessons about family, community, and the importance of pursuing our ions. The script, written by Jimmy Tsai, reflects his own experiences growing up as a Chinese-American in the San Gabriel Valley, and it shines through in the film's authentic portrayal of the region and its people.

The film also features some impressive ping-pong action, with Tsai and Vo performing many of their own stunts. The ping-pong sequences are not only entertaining, but also serve as a metaphor for the challenges that C-Dub faces in his own life.

Ping Pong Playa is a charming and heartwarming film that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even pick up a paddle and try your hand at ping-pong.