Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the man who built an empire on charisma and colossal biceps, ventured into the family film genre in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Following the success of movies like “The Game Plan” and “Race to Witch Mountain,” Johnson donned a tutu and wings in 2010 for “Tooth Fairy.” But is this movie starring The Rock as a tooth fairy a magical experience for families, or does it fall flat? Let’s dive into this family comedy and see if it still holds up.
From Hockey Enforcer to Winged Fairy: The Hilarious Premise
Johnson plays Derek Thompson, a professional hockey player known more for his aggressive style than his scoring prowess – hence his ironic nickname, “Tooth Fairy.” Derek is going through a slump, both on and off the ice. He’s cynical, a bit of a downer, and struggles to connect with his girlfriend Carly’s children, especially her son Randy. When Carly’s young daughter, Tess, loses a tooth, Derek almost crushes her childhood dreams by suggesting the tooth fairy isn’t real.
This act of disbelief lands Derek in hot water with the actual Tooth Fairy world. Summoned to the Department of Dissemination of Disbelief (yes, really!), he’s sentenced to two weeks of tooth fairy duty. Suddenly, this tough hockey player is sporting wings and a pink tutu, tasked with collecting teeth and spreading a little magic.
A Sprinkle of Star Power: The Delightful Cast
“Tooth Fairy” isn’t just about The Rock in a tutu. It boasts a genuinely charming supporting cast that elevates the movie. Julie Andrews, the legendary star of “The Sound of Music” and “Mary Poppins,” is wonderfully witty and stern as Lily, the head fairy. Billy Crystal brings his comedic genius as Jerry, the “Fairy Gadget Guy,” providing Derek with increasingly absurd and malfunctioning fairy tools. Stephen Merchant is also hilarious as Tracy, Derek’s fairy caseworker, a tall, awkward fairy who hilariously envies human traits.
The chemistry between Johnson and the rest of the cast is surprisingly strong. His interactions with Andrews are classic comedic pairings – the gruff newbie versus the seasoned, no-nonsense boss. Crystal’s quirky inventions and Merchant’s deadpan humor add layers of comedy to the fish-out-of-water premise. Even the family dynamic with Carly and her kids feels relatively believable, adding a touch of heart to the fantastical elements.
Humor That Lands (Mostly) and Heartwarming Moments
For a family film, “Tooth Fairy” delivers a decent amount of laughs. The visual humor of Dwayne Johnson, a mountain of a man, struggling with fairy wings and miniature gadgets is inherently funny. The movie mines plenty of comedic gold from Derek’s awkward attempts to navigate the fairy world and perform his duties, often with disastrous results. Billy Crystal’s gadget inventions, like invisibility spray that only works intermittently and shrinking paste with unpredictable side effects, are consistently amusing.
Beyond the slapstick and visual gags, “Tooth Fairy” also has moments of genuine warmth. Derek’s initial cynicism gradually melts away as he experiences the magic of the tooth fairy world and sees the joy it brings to children. His relationships with Carly and her kids also evolve as he learns to be less self-centered and embrace a more caring side. While predictable, this character arc provides a satisfying emotional core to the film.
Minor Setbacks: A Touch of Predictability
“Tooth Fairy” is, ultimately, a family movie, and it adheres to many of the genre’s conventions. The plot is fairly predictable, and the humor occasionally veers into the silly side. Some of the jokes might be too simplistic for older viewers, and the overall message about believing in magic, while heartwarming, is not particularly groundbreaking.
However, these minor drawbacks are easily forgivable within the context of a lighthearted family comedy. “Tooth Fairy” isn’t aiming to be a cinematic masterpiece; it’s aiming to entertain families, provide some laughs, and offer a feel-good message. And in that regard, it largely succeeds.
The Verdict: Still Magical Enough for Family Movie Night?
Despite being released over a decade ago, “Tooth Fairy” starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson remains a reasonably entertaining family film. Johnson’s comedic performance, combined with the strong supporting cast and the amusing premise, makes it a worthwhile watch for families looking for lighthearted fun. While it might not be a groundbreaking cinematic achievement, “Tooth Fairy” offers enough charm, humor, and heart to make it a pleasant movie night choice. It’s a solid 3 out of 5 stars – not perfect, but definitely has its magical moments. If you’re looking for a movie where you can see The Rock in a tutu and enjoy some family-friendly laughs, “Tooth Fairy” might just be the right fit.
