Susan Granger’s review of “The Game Plan” (Disney)
Genial Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has a huge fan following – which explains the astounding box-office success of this heart-warming if utterly predictable comedy.
The 6’4″-tall former wrestling champ plays legendary Joe “Never Say No” Kingman, an egomaniacal Boston Rebels quarterback whose swingin,’ Elvis-inspired bachelor lifestyle is interrupted by the unexpected arrival on his penthouse doorstep of a precocious eight year-old girl, Peyton (Disney Channel “Cory in the House” star Madison Pettis), who claims to be his daughter. It seems that her mother, Joe’s ex-wife, with whom he broke up nine years ago, is off to Africa to supervise a massive humanitarian effort in the Sudan and is utterly unreachable.
Suddenly, distracting ballet classes, baby dolls and bedtime stories must be sandwiched in between practices and dates with supermodels – much to the chagrin of Joe’s aggressive agent, Stella Peck (Kyra Sedgwick of TV’s “The Closer”), as time for the pro championship game grows near.
Revolving around what’s really important in life, the formulaic screenplay was written by first-timers Nichole Millard & Kathryn Price and generically directed by Andy Fickman – including the usual mischief-making slapstick and sight gags: i.e. starting the kitchen blender with the lid off, filling the bathroom with bubbles, dressing Joe’s bulldog Spike in a tutu. Plus there’s hotshot Joe’s unfortunate cinnamon-allergy and a “Swan Lake” dance recital supervised by Joe’s sexy dancer-love interest Roselyn Sanchez.
Credit Johnson’s undeniable charisma for gaining ground while carrying this cuteness along, even when he’s dressed in skintight green leotards and Peyton marches forth in her own mini-football uniform. Hopefully, Johnson’s next outing, starring as Agent 23 in “Get Smart,” will be better. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “The Game Plan” is a good-natured, family-friendly 5 – from playboy to paternity.
