by Thomas Ferguson

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has proven himself in and out of the wrestling ring. He has proven himself on several occasions that he can be an action star (The Scorpion King) and a dramatic star (Gridiron Gang). Now, he exercises his comedic chops in the Disney Picture’s family comedy The Game Plan.

“The Rock” plays Joe Kingman, an overly confident professional football quarterback who is on top of the world. He lives the ultimate bachelor life with his flashy cars, penthouse suite, and the sexy girlfriends. He is also about to lead his football team to their first ever championship game. He is living the highlife until that fateful day when a little curly haired girl shows up at his doorstep. His world is truly “rocked” (I know- bad pun) when this adorable and feisty little girl changes his plans altogether.

Kingman was once married, but divorced within a year. Unbeknownst to him, his ex wife gave birth to a little girl, but neglected to tell him because his career was taking off. Eight years later his daughter Peyton (Madison Pettis) shows up out of the blue. Of course Joe has his doubts, but things start to fall into place. Now, he has this little girl he must baby sit for a month while his ex wife goes to Africa to help the needy.

Joe doesn’t know the first thing about being a father and his ignorance only leads to catastrophe. The press gets a hold of his bad parenting skills and now his popularity with sports fans is in jeopardy. His money hungry sports agent Stella (Kyra Sedgwick) steps in to do damage control, but will it be enough to salvage his once perfect image? And more importantly, can he get his act together to be the father that this little troubled girl needs?

I don’t know what it is, but I just can’t get into family movies like this anymore. It feels as though I can’t channel my inner child or something. Maybe it’s the fact that living in Los Angeles has totally broken my spirit. Who knows? I do know that this movie falls short on many levels. The acting was just all right and the storyline has been done numerous times before. Every emotional moment seemed contrived and so formulaic. I actually could predict certain moments of dialogue before the actors even uttered them. I mean, how weak is that?

I can see how this movie may appeal to children, but this “thirty something” child needs a little bit more than dumb jock jokes and dogs wearing tutus. There were a few scenes that did peak my interest. The best scene hands down was a ballet number starring Peyton and her father. Yes, “The Rock” does ballet. I’m sure that image alone sold the script to Disney execs. It would have sold me as well, but you have to back it up with a story that is more engaging.

Rounding out the cast was Brian White (Stomp the Yard), Morris Chestnut (Two Can Play That Game), and the insanely beautiful Roslyn Sanchez (Chasing Papi). Although their performances were refreshing, they weren’t enough to liven up this very stale script.