Rated PG for mild language, some rude humor and sports action.
Directed by Michael Lembeck (The Santa Clause 2 and 3)
Starring Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Ashley Judd, Julie Andrews and Billy Crystal
With a tag line like “You can't handle the tooth,” I’ll assume you expect a certain amount of cheese with this family film…and sometimes cheese just hits the spot.
Dwayne Johnson stars as Derek Thompson, one of the toughest hockey players around — until he's sentenced to one week's hard labor as the world's most unlikely tooth fairy! Even though he must sport frilly wings and learn the magical tricks of the trade from his silver-winged superiors (Julie Andrews and Billy Crystal), Derek's determined to do the job HIS way and prove he's got what it takes!
I never know what to expect walking into one of these Disney films. Sometimes the film makers know their audience is younger and lacks a certain critical nature so they just don’t feel the need to try to make a quality movie. Other times there are more jokes that my wife and I laugh at then my kids – mostly because they are intended for us and go right over my kids’ heads. The Tooth Fairy is a little bit of both.
Dwayne Johnson has done a few kid friendly roles but he definitely loaded on the cheese for this one…wearing spandex, a tutu and some wings…most kids will laugh at that alone – mine did. As far as the hockey scenes, they are more Mighty Ducks than Miracle (both Disney films) – which was o.k. for me.
Where it lacks realism it makes up with heart – and again, I’m o.k. with that. There are a few powerful scenes between The Tooth Fairy and his girlfriend’s children. Not only does he help her son with his guitar playing, but shows a genuine love for them. There are also a few scenes where Derek decides to help the goofy wingless fairy (a true stigmatism in the Fairy world) become a full fledge tooth fairy. Although Derek struggles with his ego and pride throughout the film the tender-hearted side keeps shinning through.
It won’t win any awards, break any records or even make my top ten list, but it was a fun two hours with the family. I would definitely recommend checking it out on DVD.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Yeah, this PG film is fun for the whole family.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
