Movies
Ben Stiller’s Red Hour Films and Rivulet Entertainment Serve Up Hilarious Pickleball Antics in ‘The Dink’
“The Dink” is a sports comedy film about a washed-up tennis pro, blending humor and pickleball, featuring Jake Johnson, Mary Steenburgen, and Ed Harris, directed by Josh Greenbaum.
The world of sports comedies is about to get a spirited, new addition with “The Dink,” an upcoming film brought to life by the dynamic collaboration of Ben Stiller’s Red Hour Films and Rivulet Entertainment. Set to delight audiences with its unique take on the rising phenomenon of pickleball, this movie promises a blend of humor, charm, and unexpected athletic feats. With cameras rolling this November in Los Angeles, “The Dink” is positioning itself as a must-watch production.
Star-studded Cast and Creative Powerhouses
Headlining the movie is an impressive ensemble cast featuring Jake Johnson as the central character—a once-promising tennis pro who’s down on his luck. Joining him are the talented Mary Steenburgen and the venerable Ed Harris, whose roles are eagerly anticipated by fans. Adding to the film’s allure, Ben Stiller and former tennis champion Andy Roddick will make key supporting appearances, showcasing an intriguing fusion of comedy and sports expertise.
In the director’s chair, we find Josh Greenbaum, known for his work on MGM’s upcoming “Spaceballs” sequel and “Will & Harper.” Greenbaum will breathe life into an original screenplay penned by Sean Clements, who has previously written for popular shows such as “Workaholics” and “Kevin Can F**k Himself.” This creative amalgamation promises a script teeming with witty dialogue and engaging narrative arcs.
Plot Teaser
The storyline trails the journey of Jake Johnson’s character, a washed-up tennis professional, as he endeavors to salvage a club on the brink of collapse. As he seeks to reclaim his dignity and win his father’s respect, he must confront a lifelong aversion by engaging in a sport he vowed never to play—pickleball. This narrative promises both laughter and heart as it explores themes of redemption, familial bonds, and the eccentric world of pickleball.
Production and Industry Acclaim
Ben Stiller and John Lesher are at the helm, producing through the Red Hour Films banner, while Rivulet’s Rob Paris and Mike Witherill join as producers. Jake Johnson steps up as a producer, too, adding another layer to his involvement in the project. This venture follows the successful collaboration between Stiller and Rivulet on “Nutcrackers,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival as the opening night feature and later sold to Hulu in a competitive acquisition.
Rivulet Entertainment is fully financing this film, with the company’s senior strategic advisor, Rick Steele, serving as Executive Producer alongside Sean Clements and Greenbaum. Known for its diverse portfolio, Rivulet’s engagement in “The Dink” underscores their commitment to pushing boundaries in entertainment.
About Rivulet Entertainment
Rivulet Entertainment Inc. continues to establish its presence in the entertainment sector through innovative production, distribution, and marketing strategies across films, television series, and music projects. Born from the acquisition of Rivulet Media’s assets, the company seizes opportunities at the forefront of creative development, all the way through to postproduction and distribution.
As anticipation for “The Dink” builds, audiences can look forward to a spirited comedy that celebrates the quirks and camaraderie of pickleball. With its stellar cast, gifted creators, and compelling narrative, “The Dink” is poised to serve up laughter and charm in abundance. Keep your paddles ready for this exciting release!
For more information on The Dink
Rivulet Entertainment Inc:
https://www.rivuletentertainment.com
SOURCE Rivulet Entertainment Inc
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documentaries
Vision Films Acquires Jeff Bridges–Narrated Doc “In The Company of Wolves” Ahead of Cannes Premiere
Vision Films acquires In The Company of Wolves: An American Journey, Susan Kucera’s new documentary narrated by Jeff Bridges, premiering at Cannes May 15, with a limited theatrical and TVOD release July 17, 2026.
Vision Films has picked up In The Company of Wolves: An American Journey, an environmental documentary narrated by Academy Award® winner Jeff Bridges and directed by award-winning filmmaker Susan Kucera. The film is set to debut at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on May 15 at the Olympia Theater, with a limited theatrical rollout and transactional VOD release to follow on July 17, 2026.
A nature documentary that reframes American history
Rather than treating wolves as a backdrop to frontier mythology, In The Company of Wolves positions them—and other animals—as co-travelers through the American story. The documentary traces a sweeping timeline from the shores of England to the birth of the New Republic and into the colonization of the modern American West, exploring how the nation’s evolving relationship with wolves shaped folklore, identity, and the idea of “nationhood” itself.
Kucera describes the project as a shift in perspective: “I think this film stands apart because it reframes the American mythos—moving beyond human ambition to the deeper relationships that shaped the land, and in turn, the nation itself.”
A third collaboration for Kucera and Bridges
The documentary marks the third collaboration between Kucera and Bridges, following previous environmental projects including Living in the Future’s Past. Vision Films CEO and Managing Director Lise Romanoff said the company is “proud to partner with Susan Kucera again” and called the film “a spectacular visual journey and a reminder of the need to respect and preserve our planet’s ecosystem.”
Bridges, whose voice anchors the film’s historical and ecological throughline, added that the story “reminds us that the wild and the domesticated have always reflected the deeper story of who we are as a nation — and who we might yet become.” According to the release, Bridges is also using his compensation to support multiple conservation organizations, including The Vital Ground Foundation, which protects and connects wildlife habitat in the Northern Rocky Mountains.
Voices, experts, and an evocative score
The film features commentary from members of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and Crow Nation, alongside historians and authors who have shaped public understanding of wolves and the American West. Participants named in the announcement include:
- Michelle Paver, best-selling author of the Wolf Brothers series (over 3 million copies sold worldwide)
- David Quammen, science writer (Outside, National Geographic)
- Professor Jon Coleman (University of Notre Dame), author of Vicious: Wolves and Men in America
- Cristina Eisenberg, Native American ecologist and author
- Jason Baldes, Eastern Shoshone conservationist (Intertribal Buffalo Council, Conservation Lands Foundation)
- Cameron Krebs, fourth-generation sheep rancher
Adding to the film’s atmosphere is an original score by Keefus Ciancia, whose credits include True Detective.
Release plan: Cannes first, then theaters and TVOD
For audiences tracking Cannes premieres and documentary acquisitions, the release plan is straightforward:
- Cannes Film Festival premiere: May 15, 2026 (Olympia Theater)
- Limited theatrical release + TVOD: July 17, 2026
For updates, the filmmakers point viewers to the official site: inthecompanyofwolvesfilm.com.
About the companies behind the release
Vision Films is an independent sales and VOD aggregator with a catalog of more than 800 features, documentaries, and series, releasing 2–4 films per month across theatrical, VOD, DVD, and television.
Rangeland Productions, founded by producer Jim Swift, focuses on documentaries and independent films and has previously produced and executive produced projects with Kucera, including Living in the Future’s Past, Breath of Life, and Hot Money.
What to watch for
With its Cannes debut and Jeff Bridges’ continued presence in environmental storytelling, In The Company of Wolves: An American Journey is positioned to land at the intersection of prestige documentary, American history, and conservation cinema—an increasingly crowded space where voice, point of view, and cultural framing matter as much as the visuals.
Related Links
Source: Vision Films
Entertainment
Sharpie and Elmer’s Go “To Infinity and Beyond” With a Limited-Edition Toy Story 5 Collection
Sharpie and Elmer’s unveil a limited-edition Toy Story 5 collection—markers, S-Note highlighters, glue sticks, and slime kits—ahead of the film’s June 19 debut.
Sharpie and Elmer’s Launch Limited-Edition Toy Story 5 Collection
If your summer plans include crafts at the kitchen table, labeling school supplies before the first bell, or simply chasing a hit of nostalgia, Sharpie® and Elmer’s® just dropped something that checks every box. Ahead of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 theatrical debut on June 19, 2026, the Newell Brands staples are launching a limited-edition lineup inspired by the film’s iconic characters, colors, and “let’s make something” energy.
The idea is simple: take the everyday tools people already trust—markers, highlighters, glue sticks, and slime kits—and give them a Toy Story glow-up that feels equally giftable and useful. It’s designed for kids discovering the franchise for the first time and adults who grew up with Woody, Buzz, and Jessie.
What’s in the limited-edition collection?
The collection is rolling out nationwide at major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and Target, timed for peak summer crafting and back-to-school shopping.
The Sharpie side
- Sharpie Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 Permanent Markers Collectible packs featuring Toy Story 5character artwork and limited-edition barrel designs with the official film logo printed on each marker. The set leans into bold, film-inspired colors—think Buzz Lightyear greens and purples—built for everything from labeling supplies to character-inspired doodles.
- Sharpie Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 S-Note Creative Highlighters A vivid, high-contrast set with a versatile chisel tip for both highlighting and creative lettering. It’s the kind of tool that makes note-taking feel less like a chore and more like a mini design project.
The Elmer’s side
- Elmer’s Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 Glue Sticks The classic disappearing purple formula—teacher-trusted, kid-safe, and now wrapped in Toy Story 5 character designs for a little extra fun in the supply bin.
- Elmer’s Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 Slime Kits DIY slime kits with themed glue colors, activators, and “out-of-this-world” textures and scents. Each kit is built to be an all-in-one experience: mix, customize, and take your slime creations “to infinity and beyond.”
Why this collab makes sense (and why it’ll sell)
Sharpie and Elmer’s are already part of the creative routine for a lot of households—school projects, office organization, crafts, and rainy-day activities. Newell Brands’ Kris Malkoski framed the partnership as a way to celebrate creativity in a moment that feels “nostalgic and fresh,” especially as families shift into summer mode and start prepping for the school year.
Disney echoed that creative angle too, with Lylle Breier (EVP, Partnerships Promotions and Special Events) calling Toy Story 5 a celebration of storytelling—and positioning the collection as a way for fans to express their imagination through hands-on making.
A :30 spot ties it into the movie’s marketing push
This isn’t just packaging and product placement. Sharpie and Elmer’s also collaborated with Disney and Pixar on a bespoke 30-second ad showing the collection in use, created to support the film’s theatrical marketing campaign. Translation: expect to see this collaboration show up where Toy Story 5 hype already lives.
Availability and pricing snapshot
The collection will be available in multiple pack sizes for different needs in and out of the classroom:
- Sharpie Toy Story 5 Fine Permanent Markers: 5ct (coming soon to Target.com); 12ct (coming soon to Walmart); 24ct (available now on Amazon) — MSRP: $4.99–$19.99
- Sharpie Toy Story 5 S-Note Highlighters: 12ct, 24ct — MSRP: $9.99–$19.99
- Elmer’s Toy Story 5 Glue Sticks: 4ct, 12ct — MSRP: $3.47–$7.49
- Elmer’s Toy Story 5 Slime Kits: 4pc, 10pc — MSRP: $19.99–$29.99
For shoppers, the timing is the point: the products are positioned as easy add-ons for summer gifting, creative downtime, and back-to-school lists—right before the movie hits theaters.
Quick Toy Story 5 refresher: “Toy meets Tech”
Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 brings the gang back with a new twist: “Toy meets Tech.” Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), and friends face a new challenge when Bonnie gets Lilypad, a tablet device voiced by Greta Lee, with her own ideas about what playtime should look like.
The film is directed by Andrew Stanton, co-directed by Kenna Harris, produced by Lindsey Collins, and written by Stanton and Harris. Randy Newman returns with an original score—his fifth Toy Story feature.
The takeaway
Whether you’re a parent building a summer activity stash, a teacher restocking for fall, or a longtime fan who wants a small collectible piece of the franchise, the Sharpie and Elmer’s Toy Story 5 collection is built to be both practical and fun. It’s a smart, seasonal collaboration that turns routine supplies into something you’ll actually want to pick up—and maybe even keep.
If you’re shopping, look for the limited-edition collection at Amazon, Walmart, and Target ahead of Toy Story 5’s June 19, 2026 release.
Related Links
- Amazon (search/product landing for the collection): https://www.amazon.com
- Walmart (search/product landing for the collection): https://www.walmart.com
- Target (search/product landing for the collection): https://www.target.com
Brand / official info links
- Newell Brands (company info / press): https://www.newellbrands.com
- Elmer’s official site: https://www.elmers.com
About the Movie
- Disney (official studio hub): https://www.disney.com
- Pixar (official studio hub): https://www.pixar.com
STM Daily News’ Entertainment section delivers the latest on movies, television, music, pop culture, events, and industry buzz. From breaking news and trending stories to feature coverage and community-centered entertainment reporting, it keeps readers connected to what’s happening on screen, on stage, and beyond.
pop culture
May the Fourth: Celebrating National Star Wars Day | Fun Facts & Festivities
National Star Wars Day, also known as May the Fourth, is a celebration of the Star Wars franchise that takes place annually on May 4th.
Last Updated on May 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
National Star Wars Day, also known as May the Fourth, is a celebration of the Star Wars franchise that takes place annually on May 4th. The day is filled with festivities such as costume contests, trivia games, and movie marathons. Fans of the series can dress up like their favorite characters, watch their favorite movies, and make outer space snacks.
The phrase “May the Fourth Be with You” was first introduced by the Conservative Party in the UK in 1979 to congratulate Margaret Thatcher on becoming the first female Prime Minister. Since then, the phrase has become synonymous with Star Wars Day and is used by fans around the world to greet each other on this special day.
National Star Wars Day was first organized in Toronto, Canada, in 2011, and has since become a worldwide phenomenon. Fans of all ages come together to celebrate their love for the franchise and to honor its creator, George Lucas.
Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just a casual admirer, National Star Wars Day is a day to let loose and have some fun. May the Fourth be with you!
National Star Wars Day
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/?s=Star+Wars+Day
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
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