Challengers

Screened at Regal Cinemas 9, Palm Springs, California.

After checking out I Saw the TV Glow most recently, seeing this new film from Call Me By Your Name director Luca Guadagnino became an interesting watch. I say that because with the former, that was a visual feast. It was clear from the marketing to the first shot of the film that you're there to be immersed. There was no question where your focus was supposed to be. With Challengers, for me, it was quite the opposite, especially after taking in the marketing and overall buzz which was implying this is basically a horny, tennis sex dramedy. OK, perhaps not so basic. But the point being is, I still didn't know what to expect. Coming from Guadagnino, was this going to be an "arthouse" film? Or a classier Anyone But You?

As it turns out, it was both at the same time, and upon some reflection time of about 24 hours, I decided it's more on the side of Anyone But You. That's because, no question, the heart of this movie is cheesy as hell. Despite its artsier tendencies at places, from the solid score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (I almost said "Finch"), they are still owning the campier side of the plot, suggestive screenplay and cinematography. For me, once I realized they were aware of this, I could let myself enjoy this for what it is. And despite all the hype and rumors about this being basically a soft core porn, I'm happy to say that's not the case. Sex occurs, but it's not graphic. It's just hot, normal and fun, as it should be, and that's all this film is trying to do - provide a good time.

I've seen a few reviews on YouTube about Challengers and I've just been gobsmacked by those who are reviewing this from far too serious an angle. There's nothing terribly deep going on here. It's three hot Hollywood up-and-comers, as far as I understand it, with some awesome and unique tennis match footage. This is not 2004's Wimbledon with Kirsten Dunst, an epic pile of shit to say the least. This is slick, and quite sexy, with great performances in fact, albeit it's clunky at times. It all adds up to FINE ENTERTAINMENT. Nothing more, nothing less. It knows exactly what it wants to be, what it is, and how to get there. Mission accomplished. Check it out, it's fun. And Zendaya is breathtaking, so everyone's a winner. Game, set, match.