When I saw the trailer for 'The Game Plan', it looked entertaining and funny. Sadly, that trailer provided the same amount of laughs as the actual movie.
For the first time on this blog, I am giving a movie a 'thumbs down'. The movie had some redeeming qualities, but I had high hopes going in and left the theater feeling let down. Dwayne Johnson (aka 'The Rock') has the ability to be a big movie star, but this vehicle was not the right one for his talents.
Since I screened this movie without James and this blog is his creation, I will try to loosely follow his format. 'The Game Plan revolves around Joe 'The King' Kingman ('The Rock'), superstar quarterback for the Boston Rebels. Kingman has it all, or so he thinks. He lives alone in his penthouse suite watching himself on Sportscenter by day and partying all night. Kingman's world changes when a young girl named Peyton Kelly (Madison Pettis) shows up at his doorstep. After originally being mistaken for an autograph seeking fan, Peyton proceeds to explain to Kingman that she is his daughter. What follows is a lesson in child rearing and tough love.
The list of things wrong with this movie is lengthy. The movie was long on predictability and sappiness. 'The Rock' turned in an awkward performance as Joe Kingman, although the scene in which he sings to Peyton was touching. Kyra Sedgwick was also disappointing. I usually enjoy Mrs. Kevin Bacon, but this time she seemed to just be cashing a paycheck on a break from her television show 'The Closer'. Her character was not likeable, and neither was her performance. Director Andy Fickman (She's The Man) did not keep the pace moving fast enough. There were too many lulls between laughs.
Despite all the negatives, there were several things to like in this movie. Number one was Pettis. She was adorable and did a great job of displaying the gamut of emtions Peyton was experiencing. Another positive was the performance of Morris Chestnut as Kingman's teammate Travis Sanders. Chestnut was not a main part of the story, but he shined in every scene in which he appeared. Also, the football scenes were realistic and fun to watch. 'The Rock', who played defensive tackle in college at Miami, was a believable pro quarterback.
In the end, however, I would advise you to rent this one at Blockbuster if you must see this movie. Kids will enjoy it, but parents will probably be looking at their watches most of the time.
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