Tooth Fairy (2010)

Tooth Fairy is the kind of bright, old-fashioned family comedy that knows its secret weapon: watching Dwayne Johnson’s tough-guy swagger get lovingly dismantled by a world of glittery rules, magical bureaucracy, and just enough slapstick to keep kids giggling. The movie’s special charm comes from how earnestly it lets its big, brawny hero stumble into wonder—turning a silly premise into something surprisingly sweet about protecting dreams, even when you’ve forgotten your own. Stephen Merchant is a deadpan delight as the exasperated caseworker, tossing off perfectly timed lines that make the fantasy feel funnier and more lived-in, while the tone stays breezy and PG-friendly despite the occasional hockey bump and mild rude humor. It’s not for viewers who demand subtlety or edge, but if you’re on the fence and want a warm, goofy crowd-pleaser the whole family can watch together, this one delivers.

Tooth Fairy is clearly trying to turn Dwayne Johnson’s tough-guy image into a sweet, kid-friendly “believe in your dreams” story with some fish-out-of-water magic and slapstick. The problem is it plays out exactly how you expect, with a formulaic script and jokes that feel recycled, so even the fantasy elements can come off oddly flat. Johnson is likable and game for the silliness, and Stephen Merchant adds a bit of dry charm, but neither can fully rescue the movie from its paint-by-numbers pacing. If you’re looking for a genuinely clever family comedy, this may test your patience; if you just want a harmless, low-effort kids’ movie to fill an afternoon, it’s serviceable.