Tooth Fairy Review

Tooth Fairy (Fairly Spoiler Free)
Release Date: January 22, 2010
Starring: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
Ashley Judd
Julie Andrews
Stephen Merchant
Ryan Sheckler
Billy Crystal
Seth MacFarlane
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Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson left behind the life of professional wrestling in 2004 for a career in the movies. Many have tried before in the past (Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mick Foley, Roddy Piper, Hulk Hogan) and two are currently doing so in John Cena and Ted DiBiase, but none of them have had the success The Rock has had.

After 2008's The Game Plan, Disney has found their new go-to guy for feel good children's comedies, but unlike that film, Tooth Fairy actually has some appeal to adults. I am 20 years old and was laughing thoroughly out, not just at the charismatic Johnson, but at comedy legends like Stephen Merchant (Extras) and Billy Crystal (Soap, When Harry Met Sally, SNL) as well. Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane also has a short, but humorous cameo.

The film's plot is definitely flawed, but for a sports enthusiast like myself, there is a degree of realism to the story. A former big-time NHL player, Derek Thompson, suffered a shoulder injury that forced him into the minor leagues, and he would never make it back. He has a girlfriend with two children, one of whom he connects with, the other he combats before the two help bring out the best in each other. Without spoiling it for you, there is a happy ending here that comes off as more corny and cliched than worthy of the prior 80 minutes, but I won't knock the film too much for it.

It is hard for me to argue that The Rock does not carry the film, but that is to be expected when you watch one of his movies. Though Stephen Merchant excels as Tracy, Derek's guide in the film, whose banter with him is on par with Merchant's great work on Extras with Ricky Gervais. If you are not a fan of his brand of humor, which is virtually the same whether it's during a promo on The Undertaker or talking to a little girl, then this movie will be torture for you, but if you laugh at his antics then this is another hit for you.

I am by no means going to say this is an Oscar candidate, but if you're looking for a film that's fun for all ages, I'd recommend checking this out. Not American Pie-funny, but clearly superior to The Game Plan.