'The Game Plan'—A Movie Review

I wonder what’s on Joe Kingman’s agenda for today. Football practice, ballet, and learning he has a child. Boy, this will be quite a day. Better get him some coffee.

Released into theaters in 2007, TheGame Plan is about Joe Kingman, a famous football player who believes that he has everything he needs. One day he has an unexpected visitor... Eight-year-old Peyton informs Joe that she is his daughter. Their relationship starts off strained, until Joe discovers a love he never knew he had on a beautiful and wacky adventure.

I remember feeling skeptical about TheGame Plan when it was first released. I may have watched it a couple of years later after it came out. The moment the credits rolled I was so wrong in my earlier judgments.

The Game Plan is a heartwarming story with a beautiful message. I love the development in character and its nice mixture of comedy and drama.

At the time I wasn’t that crazy about Dwayne Johnson. Since then he has grown on me more as an actor. Aside from Jumanji, this is one of my favorite Dwayne Johnson’s films before he was created as a stereotypical action-packed jock with no cares. Although Johnson does play that role here he learns a more profound and believable lesson.

Madison Pettis did an outstanding job in the role of Peyton when she was only nine years old. She’s so fun to watch on screen and very cute. Her acting abilities were truly remarkable. She was not afraid to take charge. You should catch Pettis in more films and tv shows like Free Style and The Fosters.

Every actor, even minor ones, got the screen-time they deserved. Joe’s football pals and his agent deliver wonderful performances. Even Spike, Joe’s beloved dog. Roselyn Sanchez delivers a meaningful performance as Peyton’s ballet teacher. I didn’t expect her character to have such a large role.

I loved this movie from beginning to end. It’s a simple story that’s been used often but the director, Andy Fickman, chose a more unique approach. I liked his dynamic on how he paid attention to character growth. The story takes its time to develop Joe and Peyton’s relationship. It would have been unrealistic if Joe was okay with the idea that he had a daughter all this time. Johnson and Pettis created such a genuine relationship.

One other element that TheGame Plan does a fantastic job with, is how we should stop stereotyping certain sports as gender types. Ballet is underrated. If you ever wondered what it would be like if Dwayne Johnson ever took ballet this is your chance. The film does a great job equaling out the football and ballet scenes.

Arguably, Football and theatre are the same things. A lot of rehearsal goes into each and then we’re performing our best to win over an audience. This movie is a teachable film for all kids, especially when they’re finding their passions.

The direction is smooth, especially the ballet number towards the end of the movie. You don’t want to miss that scene. There are many funny scenes and also emotional scenes, too. Don’t listen to critics negative reviews. TheGame Plan deserves more recognition.

The Game Plan is a family movie for all to enjoy. I don’t believe that it's a predictable movie. It’s easily enjoyable and there are surprises. It’s one of Dwayne Johnson’s best as he continues to improve and excel as an actor.

If you ever have a free night, I would suggest that you watch TheGame Plan with your kids. Johnson and Pettis’ chemistry mesh together brilliantly giving audiences a touching story for all.