a notice: We first published this article in January 2021 on the occasion of a TV broadcast. This is a slightly modified version.
He’s holding a gun and is wearing a black tank top. At first glance, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson appears in Central Intelligence as we know him best: ready for battle.
Nevertheless, the comedy stands out positively between Fast and Furious, Jumanji, Jungle Cruise and the Netflix blockbuster Red Notice. The Rock plays one of his best roles in Central Intelligence. Here’s why the action comedy is special to The Rock.
What is Central Intelligence starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson about?
Central Intelligence is a buddy comedy with a clever opening idea. 20 years ago, Calvin (Kevin Hart) was the cool star of high school while Robbie (Dwayne Johnson) was bullied because of his weight. Now they meet again and their situation is turned upside down.
Listen to our podcast on the Dwayne Johnson phenomenon:
At this point you will find external content that complements the article. You can show it and hide it again with one click.
Calvin’s career dreams have fizzled out. He is dissatisfied with his life. Robbie, on the other hand, is now called Bob Stone and is trained to the little toe. Also, Bob has a pretty big secret. Of the Ex-agent is being hunted by the secret service CIA. Ironically, he is looking for shelter with his old school friend.
What makes The Rock so special in comedy?
The basic idea is clever, the rest of the film is not. Despite this, there is a story about bullying and failed life plans plenty of material for actor Dwayne Johnson here.
In many action films, The Rock flanks his intimidating physique with an ironically raised eyebrow. This protects against involuntary laughter when the muscle man rams opponents into the ground again. Central Intelligence goes even further.
In the prologue, we see Johnson’s character, Robbie, being horribly exposed in front of the whole school. It’s a brutal scene, without blood. This lays the emotional foundation of the heartwarming film. The only person who will stand up for Robbie is Calvin.
This is one of Dwayne Johnson’s best roles
So the trauma doesn’t just feed into Robbie’s transformation into muscleman Bob. It also justifies his admiration for the Normalo, who is a few heads shorter than him. How the action star lets those feelings shine through is deeply impressive.
Central Intelligence TV Spot Bob Stone (English) HD
Without completely breaking with the light comedy tone, goes Dwayne Johnson’s performance in Central Intelligence right to the heart. Brief glances and gestures are enough. In a matter of seconds he brings back the memory of the humiliated schoolboy – and buries it again.
Most other action movies and comedies starring Dwayne Johnson lack that complexity. His heroes go into battle but are invulnerable. In Central Intelligence, however, a deep wound answers the obvious question: Why does this man look like The Rock?
*. Moviepilot receives a commission if you make a purchase via these links or take out a subscription. .