Hard to narrow it down to just five…
It’s Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s birthday today (although technically yesterday in Aus and today in the US, time zones am I right?), and of course, the lists come out. The comparisons of roles across his career as fans properly dig into the filmography one of the biggest action stars in recent memory. He’s done it all: Hero, villain, extremely well-oiled wrestler and even an animated surfer with the voice of an angel (sadly Moana didn’t make this list however) and he’s proved he’s a bloody force to be reckoned with on the big screen.
Thus, we thought we’d take a trip down his film career and nail down five of our Dwayne Johnson (DJ) favourites (with great difficulty), and it looks like we’ve got our movie marathon for this weekend sorted.
Check it below.
Fast Five
His introduction into the Fast & Furious universe, DJ’s portrayal of Agent Hobbes in Fast Five was badass as fuck. Pretty much the only villain (or semi-villain) in the franchise who it’s easy to root for, his performance as a government hard ass that’s hell bent on taking Vin Diesel’s Dom Toretto and his gang of misfits down was bloody riveting; so much so you got kind of anxious whenever he appeared on screen. Old mate really struck gold with that role, and it’s served him pretty darn well since he first played it ten years ago (feel old yet?).
Gridiron Gang
An under-appreciated classic that’s (in my opinion) one of the greatest sports dramas of all time, DJ’s inspiring portrayal of real life sports coach Sean Porter in Gridiron Gang was equal parts charismatic and inspiring. Based upon the true story of a juvenile centre counsellor trying to get the kids under his care ready to be re-released into everyday life, DJ got a bit paternal in this flick, and by the end you could see the proper difference he made in those kids’ lives. A gem that ages just like Remember The Titans or even Coach Carter, it’s a bloody beauty. Definitely check it out.
Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle
It took some serious balls for the Rock to portray Spencer Glipin AKA Dr. Xander “Smolder” Bravestone in Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle, having to capture the spirit of a neurotic high school student while capturing the physicality and bravado of a archaeologist/ explorer. But all deep stuff aside, DJ is hilarious in this flick, totally committing to the role and proving that although he’s a stellar leading man, he’s a real treasure as part of an ensemble cast as well. Check it below.
Hobbs & Shaw
Yes, yes, I know I’ve already mentioned a movie in the Fast & Furious universe, but we can’t not mention the Hobbs & Shaw spinoff. The film sees him bring an extra comedic relief to the character you never really see in the Fast & Furious movies, and his chemistry with partner in crime (or justice) Jason Statham is just perfect. But don’t get me wrong, the man is still a badass in this film, going so far as pulling off one of, if not the, most intimidating Hakas in recent memory. Check it below.
San Andreas
Ah the old disaster movie. A genre done to absolute death, DJ managed to make a disaster epic in San Andreas that felt fresh and unique, despite it being a carbon copy of literally every other film in the genre. The flick sees him do everything from fly helicopters, ride crazy tsunamis and swim in some ridiculous depths. But of course he makes it all look super slick and easy, bringing a suave and effortlessness that seems to just exude off him in waves.
