Tooth Fairy

At first glance this child-friendly comedy, starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as a temporary tooth fairy, looks about as appealing as that yearly trip to your dentist. The former pro-wrestler plays Derek Thompson, a professional hockey player past his prime, who angers a community of tooth-pilfering pixies when he suggests to his girlfriend's younger daughter, played by Destiny Whitlock, that no such creatures exist. As a result of this slur, Thompson finds himself carted off to the magical tooth-fairyland he so readily dismissed, temporary wings and all, whereupon he is sentenced to two weeks collecting teeth. Yes, parts of the movie are weak (Johnson has a tendency to overact) but overall this is an above-average yarn that will leave you pleasantly satisfied. The rapport between Thompson and his tooth-fairy care worker, Tracy (Stephen Merchant), is simple yet incredibly funny - a testament to both actors' ability to get the most out of a rather forgettable script. The child actor, Chase Ellison, who plays Randy, the son of Thompson's girlfriend, shows a star-like quality. Dame Julie Andrews and the veteran comedian, Billy Crystal, make cameos as tooth-fairy head honchos, but it is really down to the charming Johnson (with his captivating grin, so wide that it would put the Cheshire Cat to shame) that this movie was a surprising box-office hit when it was released earlier this year. For what it is, Tooth Fairy is a good - if hammy - story that is lifted considerably by its strong cast.

Tooth fairy is silly but fun for all the family.