“Nostalgia can be an unwieldy tool in the world of filmmaking. Few features manage to effectively capture the charms of a certain time period, either going overboard to the point of exhaustion or poking fun of them so much it starts to feel disingenuous,” we remarked at Sundance. “Thankfully, Ping Pong Summer takes us back to the 1980’s with charm, reverence and light, fun humor.”
The latest film from Septien director Michael Tully follows a 13-year-old who walks to the reserved beat of his own drum. Although outwardly timid, he’s inwardly alive, practicing his moonwalk (with parachute pants to match), beatboxing, and love for hip-hop (courtesy of his modestly sized jukebox). Upon meeting a friend with the same interests, the two venture to the local arcade house, which also contains a single ping pong table, one that will become their shrine for the summer. The first trailer has now landed ahead of a fitting summer release, so check it out below for the film starring Susan Sarandon, Lea Thompson, John Hannah, Amy Sedaris, and Marcello Conte.
The year is 1985. Rad Miracle is a shy 13-year-old white kid who’s obsessed with two things: ping pong and hip hop. During his family’s annual summer vacation to Ocean City, Maryland, Rad makes a new best friend, experiences his first real crush, becomes the target of rich local bullies, and finds an unexpected mentor in his outcast next-door neighbor. Ping Pong Summer is about that time in your life when you’re treated like an alien by everyone around you, even though you know deep down you’re as funky fresh as it gets.
Ping Pong Summer hits theaters and VOD on June 6th.