Thoughts on Dwayne Johnson in 'Race to Witch Mountain'
I attended a screening earlier this week of Dwayne Johnson’s latest film, Race to Witch Mountain, which opens today. It might be Johnson’s best movie yet, although I really like Gridiron Gang and The Game Plan as well
Every time I watch one of Johnson's movies, it always makes me proud as a wrestling fan that one of our own has become such a mainstream success. Actually, it’s more than just his movie star status that I’m proud of; it’s also the level of respect that he has in Hollywood.
Hulk Hogan is perhaps even more of a household name than Johnson, but he was never taken seriously as an actor and his resume consists of nothing but B movies, excluding his cameo in Rocky III.
It's highly unlikely that Johnson will ever compete for roles with Sean Penn, but he’s certainly not regarded as a joke. He has overcome the stigma of getting his start in the entertainment business in pro wrestling and is considered a decent actor by many movie critics.
Race to Witch Mountain is a fun family movie with a lot of special effects, but it’s Johnson’s portrayal of a Las Vegas cab driver and reformed ex-con who suddenly finds himself trying save Earth from extinction that truly gives the movie its charm. Johnson definitely has the tough guy-with-a-heart character down pat, as he has now played that role in several films.
In this movie, he again displays the comic timing that entertained wrestling fans during his years in WWE. As The Rock, everything Johnson did was intentionally over the top, but one of his best traits as a movie actor is that he resists the temptation to chew the scenery, even in a movie as fantastical as Race to Witch Mountain. His screen presence and charisma come across naturally.
On a side note, there was a story yesterday on contactmusic.com about Johnson wanting to do a Broadway musical. He has demonstrated that he can carry a tune, and as far as his dancing ability, he said: “I’m half Samoan, you know, and part of our culture is singing and dancing daily.”
Hey, as long as he dances better than fellow Samoan Rikishi, I think he should go for it.
Comments
"his resume consists of nothing but B movies, excluding his cameo in Rocky III."
That cameo is where Hogan executed a vertical suplex for one of the few times in his career.
Posted by: Christopher | March 13, 2009 1:23 AM
Have you seen The Southland Tales? Fantastic movie, and Johnson's character is one of the biggest reasons why. It's not really in the vein of any of his other movies, or really any other movies at all, but it's great.
RESPONSE FROM KE: I often like movies that are "different" (i.e. Donnie Darko, which was written and directed by Richard Kelly, who also wrote and directed Southland Tales), but like a lot of people, I had a hard time with Southland Tales. I do agree that Johnson was good in it.
Posted by: David | March 13, 2009 1:46 AM
I really thought the Rundown was a great movie but overlooked by many. Hopefully it will be appreciated years down the road.
Posted by: rob the barber | March 13, 2009 7:35 AM
How hard was it to suples the 5'3" Stallone? That's why Hogan was chosen, because he looked soooooo much bigger than Sly, so it made Stallone even more impressive to hang with him.
I have liked Johnson in everything I've seen him in. My favorite role of his was in The Rundown, and I think he would have been excellent in Vin Diesel's role in The Pacifier.
Posted by: mstrchef13 | March 13, 2009 8:15 AM
It's intersting that both Johnson's movie and Cena's movie are coming out around the same time. Something tells me Race to Witch Mountain will fare better critically than 12 Rounds.
RESPONSE FROM KE: Yes, critically and at the box office.
Posted by: Sean the Cynic | March 13, 2009 8:35 AM
Dont you EVER call "No Holds Barred" a B Movie!
Posted by: Brian | March 13, 2009 8:45 AM
Southland Tales was horrible.
Posted by: Jerry | March 13, 2009 10:56 AM
Kevin , no discussion of wrestlers turned actors would be complete without mentioning Roddy Piper . Who can forget "Hell Comes to Frogtown" , and the classic "Legless Larry and the Lipstick Lady" ?
All kidding aside Dwayne Johnson probably has more people that recognize him as an actor , that do for his former wrestling . That being said , is quite an accomplishment .
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | March 13, 2009 11:18 AM
Roddy Piper in They Live delivers one of the best line in film history something like - 'I'm here to chew bubblgum and kick some ass. And i'm all out of bubblegum.' On top of that has one of the best fist fights in film history too....cracking film.
Is the Rundown the one with Stifler of American Pie? - in England it's called Welcome to The Jungle!
Agree - Southland Tales was rubbish, but Dwayne Johnson has proved to be a good actor.
RESPONSE FROM KE: Yep, that's Rundown.
Posted by: Wayne | March 13, 2009 4:13 PM
yeah I agree, Johnson is a good actor. I thought Hogan was good too, but he doesn't have that "it" factor...that's probably why Hollywood is reluctant to take him.
BTW when is that Cena guy gonna turn heel or quit wrestling?...at first he was cool but now I just hate the guy..he reminds me of the Ultimate Warrior. Big muscles and limited skills
Posted by: Gab | March 14, 2009 3:21 PM
Hey Kevin,
nobody has mentioned Steve Borden (Sting) when it comes to movies. I wonder if he would have had more success if he would have tried the WWE.
Posted by: Frank | March 15, 2009 10:07 PM
Unbelievably Kevin , my man Scott Steiners acting prowess has gone un-noticed and unmentioned . Lest we forget his appearances on televisions "Charmed" w/ Shannon Doherty , and Alyssa Milano . Also the series "Jersey" , with a forgettable cast that he made rise to the top . In each case his acting abilities were put to the test by have to play the role of an actual wrestler .
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | March 16, 2009 7:56 AM
I saw Race to Witch Mountain over the weekend. It is hardly his best movie. My wife actually fell asleep, and she enjoys the kid-demographic movies! I must say, It didn't do much to keep my interest either. It was weird. I felt unattached from the film...like suspension of disbelief was not kicking in at all.
Posted by: Jerry | March 16, 2009 11:17 AM