Challengers (2024)

⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

The film equivalent of edging. Fun buildup. Not enough payoff.

When old friends and tennis rivals both set their eyes on famous tennis star, Tashi, the trio go from doubles to singles and back again. Let the games begin.

The film is stylish, wonderfully stylish. The costuming, set design, the characters - it just feels cool. The movie is a moment in pop culture. And that’s a rare feat. But the ending feels like we are getting off the ride at top of the rollercoaster, not after the plunge. Hence, the edging.

The back and forth timeline will drive you nuts (like a tennis match, perhaps?) but the cast alone is worth the price of admission.