Forget Jumanji, here’s probably Dwayne Johnson’s best movie that almost no one knows about

In the early 2000s, almost no one would have thought that the wrestling superstar nicknamed The Rock would become one of the most sought-after stars in Hollywood. Today, Dwayne Johnson has a string of action blockbusters and lavish blockbusters under his belt, from Fast & Furious to Jumanji, including Black Adam for DC to name a few.

But one of his films, perhaps his best, is a relatively unknown comedy-drama: Family in the Ring (or Fighting with my family (original title), biopic released in 2019 and directed by Stephen Merchant (The Office) Dwayne Johnson Produced by his own company, Seven Bucks Productions, it tells the true story of a wrestling superstar known as Paige.

In Family in the ringRicky, an ex-gangster, Julia, Paige and Zach are members of a family of wrestlers. The children, Paige and Zack, enter World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) competition. Although talented, the two youngsters will have to fight, literally and figuratively, to become the stars of this practice.

Starring Florence Pooh (Black Widow, Oppenheimer, Dune 2), Dwayne Johnson Plays… his own role and gives the hero valuable advice on his journey through the world of wrestling.

In a way, he’s going back to his wrestling roots with this biopic, which is therefore a real passion project for him. And this is the most important element of the film. finally, Dwayne Johnson It doesn’t take a big action performance or even a lead role to shine.

Raw drama with heart?

With his film, in which he also stars, Stephen Merchant Inspired by great films of the genre, such as Sylvester Stallone’s classic, Rocky.

It follows the rocky journey of Saraya-Judd Bevis, who eventually becomes known as Paige, as she makes her in-ring debut as a tough underdog and tries to prove herself not only to the world, but to her wrestling family — and above all else. himself – that he has what it takes to make it from faraway Norwich, East Anglia, to the WWE.

From the first scene, it is clear that we are not in for a melancholic drama, but a highly entertaining comic drama that tells the story of a dysfunctional family that we can’t help but love. When dad (Shaun Of The Dead star Nick Frost) angrily interrupts his kids as they fight only to explain how to strangle someone and mom (Game of Dead star Lena Head) joins in: the tone is set. .

Later, both children are grown – and promising wrestlers are potentially on the verge of starting professional careers. But while Zack’s (Dunkirk’s Jack Lowden) childhood dream is quickly coming true, Saraya (Florence Pugh) offer a chance of a lifetime. A complex situation that, despite all the comedy, creates a real family drama on the edge.

Here the plot, characters and their emotional world are so relevant that you yourself can easily become a part of this eccentric group. Parents who mirror their dreams to their children, brothers and sisters who take your dream away from you, and finally the courage to take responsibility for your own life all contribute Family in the ring A roller coaster of emotions.

And note that it’s not just the central family that always makes us laugh, but Vince Vaughn (Noceurs) who, as Paige’s instructor, plays his own version of Drill Sergeant Hartman from Full Metal Jacket and is clearly amused by his snide comments. As funny as they are.

But the star of the film is undoubtedly Florence Pugh, which was already establishing itself even before becoming the star it is today. from Marvel Oppenheimer By Christopher Nolan, via Dune: Part Two Signed by Denis Villeneuve, she is one of the most versatile actors of her generation, having also starred in roles as diverse as Ari Astaire’s cult horror film Midsommar and Greta Gerwig’s historical drama Les Filles du Doctor March. and in Family in the ring, she already shows all her talent: on the one hand, she perfectly embodies the bad, daring and antisocial, and on the other hand, a vulnerable young woman who does not yet know who she really is. Then, of course, it also excels in physical performance: it’s strong out there, literally.

Family in the ring, ultimately, is an entertaining and light-hearted coming-of-age drama with a healthy dose of heart. Fight, laughter and emotion on the program: go.

Family in the Ring is currently available to stream on Prime Video.