The new tennis movie Break Point has a seriously stellar cast. David Walton and Jeremy Sisto star as Darren and Jimmy, two dysfunctional but determined brothers trying to achieve greatness as a tennis doubles pair. They are surrounded by many equally quirky peripheral characters, several of whom are portrayed by A-listers. J.K. Simmons plays the boys’ veterinarian father, while Amy Smart plays a veterinary assistant who is also Darren’s dream girl. In additional, one of the highlights of the film is the performance of veteran child actor Josh Rush, who plays Darren's tagalong preteen friend Barry. There are also multiple smaller celebrity appearances and unexpected cameos in Break Point , from actors to comedians to athletes to family members.
Speaking with Bustle, Jeremy Sisto explains that the film was "littered throughout with personal relationships," as many of the actors were friends prior to shooting. Says the actor, "I’d known J.K. and Amy for years, so I was thrilled when they both wanted to be in it....and David, and Josh — it was a great shoot, it was a very unique group."
What other unexpected appearances are featured in Break Point? Here are some familiar faces and names you can catch in the hilarious sports comedy.
1. Chris Parnell
The SNL veteran makes an appearance as Jay Laroche, an intensely enthusiastic sports reporter who covers the brothers' matches.
2. Adam Devine
Although he's billed as a main cast member, Devine actually only makes a small (but memorable) appearance as a sales clerk at a tennis shop who is friendly with Jimmy and gives the older player some — ahem — interesting advice at a pre-game ritual.
3. Cy Amundson
Comedian Cy Amundson, who has been climbing the ranks in the stand-up world, appears in Break Point as Jimmy's tennis partner who "dumps" him as a result of Jimmy's constant bad behavior.
4. Mo Collins
No newbie to film, the MADtv vet pops up in this movie as Barry's bawdy absentee mother. Her role is minor but actually very important in to the audience's continuing appreciation of Barry and his life situation.
5. Vincent Ventresca
Actor Vincent Ventresca has been in more movies and TV shows than you can count, and he is an old friend of Jeremy Sisto. Ventresca is perfectly dislikable in Break Point as Amy Smart's overly preppy boyfriend Gary.
6 and 7. Bob and Mike Bryan
These brothers (identical twins, actually) are gold medalists and are hugely famous in the tennis world. They play themselves in the movie, with their brotherly love and flawless playing serving as a foil to the tumultuous relationship between Jimmy and Darren.
8. Reedy Gibbs
Gibbs is an actress with a wealth of film and television experience, but she also had another major connection to get a part in Break Point — she's Jeremy Sisto's mother! Sisto cast his mom as Barry's grandmother, and his stepfather (Gibbs' husband Bruno Alexander) as a tennis chairman who Jimmy bribes. Family matters, y'all.
It's clear that the filmmakers made every effort to get the best possible cast for Break Point, tapping into both professional and personal connections. The result is a hugely colorful film containing a variety of interwoven relationships which are a blast to watch. Regardless of your tastes, you're bound to fall in love with at least one character, making Break Point a great comedy for tennis fans and non-fans alike.
Images: Comedy Central; Antidote Films
