Break Point (2014)

Jimmy Price (Sisto) is an abrasive professional tennis player.  He plays doubles tennis, but his actions on and off the court tend to drive his partners away.  After qualifying for a big tournament, his latest partner quits.  Jimmy still wants to compete and turns to his estranged younger brother Darren (Walton).  Jimmy and Darren used to compete together, but are barely speaking now.

Darren left tennis behind and is a substitute teacher.  He reluctantly agrees to play tennis with Jimmy again.  As the brothers start training, they are joined by Barry (Rush), one of Darren's former students.  Their father Jack (Simmons) and an old friend Heather (Smart) are excited about the reunion.  Can Jimmy and Darren leave the past behind and win the competition?


I discovered this film through Amazon Prime.  The trailer looked promising, so I gave it try.  Your feelings about the film will depend on 1) how you feel about cursing and 2) can you handle Jeremy Sisto's character?  If you can handle both of those scenarios, you will probably survive the film.

Sisto's character is abrasive, but also has funny moments.  He gets to let loose and be the reckless one, while David Walton's Darren is straight-man to his antics.  J.K. Simmons is great as their dad.  Joshua Rush is good as well, and works well with all three of his male co-stars.  There are some good cameos (comedians in little but memorable roles).

It's a typical sports film.  Nothing new here, but the tennis matches are fun to watch.  It's not a great film, but it's not terrible either.  It's a sports film with some humor (despite being billed as a comedy).

Break Point (2014) 90 minutes
Rating: R for language and sexual references
Director: Jay Karas
Starring: Jeremy Sisto as Jimmy Price
David Walton as Darren Price
J.K. Simmons as Dr. Jack Price
Amy Smart as Heather
Joshua Rush as Barry

Adam DeVine as Nick