The Game Plan

Review by Sean Lynch

At what point does Dawyne "The Rock" Johnson stop being "The Rock" and become simply Dwayne Johnson? Because if this continues - does that mean that Henry Winkler should be billed on posters as Henry "The Fonz" Winkler - despite the fact that character is well in his past?

Taking the 'big-man with a heart of gold' reigns from Vin "I Swear I Had A Career When I Last Looked" Diesel, Dwayne-Rock (let's just make a point of it now to call him D-Rock) delivers a surprisingly enjoyable performance in the latest Disney hit, The Game Plan.

While there's certainly nothing new on offer here (these movies pretty much join the dots on a well worn - but successful - formula) The Game Plan pretty much hits all the right beats (selfish adult, cute kid, annoying habits, change of heart, unselfish act, pop song during credits) at all the right moments.

D-Rock plays popular NFL quarterback Joe Kingman, an arrogant star who quite happily lives his carefree single life. Things soon go pear shaped when a young girl turns up on his doorstep claiming to be his daughter from a previous marriage. With no other options, Kingman must change his self centered lifestyle in order to become a good father. Cue the wacky 'Big man doing girly things' hijinx montage...

Director Andy Fickman (She's The Man) does a decent enough job despite the film running 20 minutes longer than it should (it's pretty hard to stuff these up), however the real charm of the flick lies solely with it's stars.

'The Rock' built his career on being overtly arrogant, but immensely likable, so his role in The Game Plan seems like it was a walk in the park for the former wrestler. His charm is undeniable, with the ability to scare the hell out of you but melt your heart at the same time - something which Vin Diesel seemed to struggle with. Madison Pettis, who plays Kingman's ever so cute daughter, is superb too. No matter how annoying they writers try to make her, Pettis is simply adorable, unbelievably cute - and fantastically talented (possessing all the sublime 'cute' acting tricks of the numerous child actors that have come before her).

The supporting cast do their thing with relative ease, but at the end of the day - we are all forking out our $$$ to feel all warm and gooey inside when the final big football match is won and the hugs flow thick and fast, which The Game Plan succeeds to do without to much strain.

Worth it if only for a glimpse at how many Elvis references are made. Long live the King!

3.5 out of 5

The Game Plan
Australian release: 1st November, 2007
Cast: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Roselyn Sanchez, Kyra Sedgwick
Director: Andy Fickman
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