Dwayne Johnson is a better actor than most over-sized action heroes.
But he has a way to go before he can make us root for cad like Derek, a hockey player whose body checks are known to dislodge a molar or two.
In “Tooth Fairy,” Johnson is asked to play the kind of rogue destined for a Scrooge-like transformation.
But by the final reel you want to see him in one of those carnival dunking booths with C.C. Sabathia waiting to throw the first pitch.
Johnson stars as Derek, a minor league hockey star whose best checks are likely behind him. He gets thrown in the penalty box after he tells his girlfriend’s daughter not to believe in things like the Tooth Fairy.
Before you can high concept comedy, a summons appears demanding Derek serve time as a Tooth Fairy. It seems people are recruited for short periods of time to serves as Tooth Fairies to help children survive the trauma of tooth loss.
(And wouldn’t you know kids still get the same $1 WWTW found under his pillow many moons ago?)
The surly hockey star doesn’t want the wings – or the duties that come with being a Tooth Fairy. But Lily (Julie Andrews, radiating beauty and class), the head of the Tooth Fairies, commands him to do as he’s told.
Can Derek perform his toothly duties and recapture his love for hockey? And will being a Tooth Fairy help or hurt his relationship with his new galpal (Ashley Judd, wondering what she ever did to deserve such a thankless role)?
Billy Crystal tries to repeat his “Princess Bride” shtick here, dropping in for a nutty cameo under a fuzzy white wig. The script lets him down, leaving him with only a chuckle or two to work with. That’s better than what Stephen Merchant gets as the wing-less fairy assigned to watch over Derek.
His scenes with Johnson represent the most tangible pairing in the film, but Merchant isn’t given anything humorous to do – or say.
And bad puns don’t count.
Children will enjoy the elaborate sets, but they’ll likely zone out during the protracted hockey sequences.
“Tooth Fairy” is a slicker piece of entertainment than “The Spy Next Door” featuring fellow action hero Jackie Chan. But while Chan exudes a genial presence without even trying, Johnson sprains a muscle or two – in vain – trying to win us over.
(Photo: Hard-playing hockey star Derek Thompson (Dwayne Johnson) enjoys his time in the penalty box. Photo credit: Diyah Pera/20th Century Fox)
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
You must be just a sprout, Christian. I got a quarter.
I’ve been a big fan of Dwayne Johnson since he started making movies, but he needs to stop making lame kids’ movies like these. Anyone who’s seen Gridiron Gang or The Rundown knows that he’s capable of so much more.
I agree … he impressed me right out of the gate but I think he figured going the kiddie route will ensure his career has legs. Not sure that’s the best move.
Some lady friends and I are taking the kiddies to a matinee tomorrow (for fun and due to the bad weather). The top two choices are Spy Next Door or Tooth Fairy (nothing could induce us to see the Squeakel, not even if they paid US) and so far The Rock is winning with us moms, mainly for the bicep factor – so it may not be his best move, but it is a move that may work for now.
Tink – El Rocko is pumped up beyond belief in this movie. I think your galpals will enjoy that aspect of it.
This movie was a terrific family film.
You could just say, “Hey, this is not my genre so I’ll just stay quiet.” It’d be honest and fair. Or, take a 5 and 9 year-old child along with you and go to a real theatre and see the movie. We did the latter and the theatre was full and the audience thoroughly enjoyed the film. Billy Crystal was great as was the case-worker. Hilarious.
Let the kids’ movie reviews go to the folks whose expertise doesn’t lie in the realm of films for adults. Maybe it wasn’t fair for you to be asked to review this film.
Ed,
You bring up an excellent point. I often find childrens’ movies the hardest to evaluate. My guess is that other adult critics feel the same way. That said, you can still assess some basic principles of the film … and I’m guessing most kids won’t bother to read what WWTW says … or any other critic … if the film in question stars a favorite actor or simply looks cool.
My son is 1 … so he can’t help me broaden my view of kiddie movies quite yet.
Awesome, soon you’ll be entering the world of Thomas the Tank Engine. I prefer the episodes where George Carlin narrates as opposed to Alec Baldwin. You’ll see what I mean. Enjoy!
I’m dreading it, Ed!