In Gridiron Gang; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson once again displays far more cinematic charisma than one could expect from a former professional wrestler. Sean Porter (Johnson; Be Cool); a football player turned juvenile detention counselor; wrestles with a seemingly insolvable problem: The vast majority of young men who leave detention fall right back into crime. Seeking a way to give these not-yet-hardened kids a taste of self-esteem and discipline; Porter persuades his superiors to let him teach the kids football--and then take on high school teams. Though based on a true story (documentary footage over the closing credits reveals that some dialogue was lifted straight from the real Sean Porter's mouth); Gridiron Gang is pure underdogs-overcome-adversity formula. A formula is not necessarily a bad thing; when executed with skill and commitment; fulfilling a classic story mechanism can be perfectly satisfying; and Gridiron Gang qualifies. But it's Johnson who carries it through; demonstrating--in the most unlikely of roles--a surprisingly gentle touch. Johnson manages to be manly without overbearing machismo; earning not only respect but empathy. --Bret Fetzer

Stills from Gridiron Gang (click for larger image)

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