Dwayne Johnson turns 50 today. His films have earned him widespread box office success, cementing him as one of Hollywood’s most beloved movie stars.

To wish the entertainment icon a happy birthday, we’ll share our 10 favorite films of his.

Quick note: The best acting of Johnson’s career came in the wrestling ring, whether he was hitting jabronis with the Rock Bottom or satisfying the millions (and millions) of fans via promos using the vocal amplification paintbrush otherwise known as a microphone. We are not kidding. He was brilliant, and it’s a big reason why he’s the biggest movie star in the world right now.

More Top 10 Lists: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 10 best movies ranked

Clint Eastwood’s 10 best movies ranked

Sylvester Stallone’s 10 best movies ranked

10) Be Cool (2005)

Far from a great (or even very good) movie, but Johnson’s charisma shined bright in the limited screen time he had as a bodyguard with big dreams in this sequel to the superior “Get Shorty.” Ready to make the transition from the wrestling ring to the big screen, Johnson began to shed his squared-circle persona in scene-stealing supporting roles like this.

9) Snitch (2013)

Johnson plays a brawny dad who goes undercover for the DEA in order to free his son, who was imprisoned after being set up in a drug deal. One of a handful of so-so B-movies he elevated, proving his leading man capabilities to anyone who doubted him as a blockbuster star.

8) Pain & Gain (2013)

One in a trio of bodybuilders in Florida who get caught up in an extortion ring and a kidnapping scheme that goes terribly wrong in Michael Bay’s madcap true crime saga co-starring Mark Wahlberg and Anthony Mackie. Those who followed his work with WWE never had to doubt his comedic chops, but Bay wrestled more quips and physical humor out of him, even as the film (which is quite unpleasant) didn’t reach the height of its ambitions.

7) Central Intelligence (2016)

After he reconnects with an awkward pal (Johnson) from high school through Facebook, a mild-mannered accountant (Kevin Hart) is lured into the world of international espionage. Perfectly serviceable buddy action comedy boasting the chemistry between real-life pals Johnson and Hart, which we’d see again the next few years. Big highlight: Johnson’s character off-screen hilariously instant messaging with Hart for a bar meetup.

6) Walking Tall (2004)

In this remake of the 1973 film of the same name (starring Joe Don Baker), Johnson plays a former U.S. soldier who returns to his hometown to find it overrun by crime and corruption, which prompts him to clean house — yes, with a big stick. Small potatoes compared to the big budget fare he makes now, but simple and engrossing. To absolutely no one’s surprise, Johnson and Johnny Knoxville made a great on-screen team.

5) Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

Smash hit re-adaptation of the children’s book, putting a 21st century spin on it, as four teenagers are sucked into a magical video game, and the only way they can escape is to work together to finish it. Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan play avatars of the high schoolers to hilarious effect in this adventure comedy packing plenty of laughs and exciting action. One of Johnson’s most successful efforts across the board.

4) San Andreas (2015)

Johnson loves to play the schlub, despite his muscly stature and big personality, but this disaster drama marked the best of that character type, hear as a rescue helicopter pilot searching for his daughter in the aftermath of a massive earthquake in California. Johnson’s leading man appeal guides this adventure through eye-popping effects and genuinely emotional moments.

3) Fast Five (2011)

In the best film of the globally popular “Fast and Furious” franchise, Johnson gave the group a serious NOS boost as hilariously jacked DSS agent Luke Hobbs hot on the car thieves’ trails. The fifth film steered the series into the realm of jet-setting spy stories, but our big payoff came when Johnson tangled with “F&F” leading man Vin Diesel in a wild (and hairless) on-screen fist-fight. Nevermind the off-screen stuff, this flick ruled.

2) Moana (2016)

You and your kids started and never stopped singing “You’re Welcome” in 2016, when Johnson voiced an egotistical Demigod. In Ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by the Demigod Maui reaches Moana’s island, she answers the Ocean’s call to seek him out to set things right. Powerful and delightful animated storytelling from Disney, scored by Lin-Manuel Miranda’s catchy songs, this stands as one of Johnson’s finest contributions to pop culture.

1) The Rundown (2003)

An aspiring chef is hired to bring home a mobster’s son from the Amazon but becomes involved in the fight against an oppressive town operator and the search for a legendary treasure. Not quite the movie that “Moana” or “Fast Five” is, this marked Johnson’s first (and best) starring vehicle that suggested we might have an heir apparent to Arnold Schwarzenegger as our next great action star. The two even share a moment in this film! Sadly, after the promise he showed in this rollicking adventure with hard-hitting action scenes and a dry sense of humor, he has yet to fully capitalize on his star power the way Arnold did. But there’s still time. And until then, we can watch him punch people in “The Rundown.”

More Top 10 Lists: Kevin Costner’s 10 best movies ranked

Gene Hackman’s 10 best movies ranked

Tom Hanks’ 10 best movies ranked

Jack Nicholson’s 10 best movies ranked



Source link

Related Article

Write a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *