A.V. Opinions: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: “The People’s Subpar Movie Champion”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson might just be the most charismatic actor to ever step in front of a camera. With his megawatt smile, larger-than-life presence, and the kind of charm that could sell ice to an Eskimo, Johnson has become a global icon. From his wrestling days to becoming Hollywood’s ultimate tentpole star, The Rock has solidified his place as a box office powerhouse (for most of his career, anyway). But let’s address the elephant in the room: Where’s his Die Hard? His Terminator? His Predator? His Rocky? His Rambo?

Let’s face it, Johnson’s filmography is mostly crap! He’s become “The People’s Subpar Movie Champion.” Sure, his movies make money. A lot of money. But how many are genuinely memorable? His IMDb page is the equivalent of a Walmart bargain bin.

And let’s talk about The Rock’s creative control. It’s both a blessing and a curse. Johnson’s ability to steer his projects has been a strength and a liability. Being a self-made man, he’s earned the right to develop and star in movies that align with his brand. However, this control might also explain why his movies often feel formulaic. When you’re the biggest guy in the room, literally and figuratively, who’s going to tell you “no”?

In my opinion, The Rock needs that one director who can elevate him from popcorn entertainment to cinematic greatness. Schwarzenegger trusted Cameron to shape Terminator and McTiernan to craft Predator. Stallone caught lightning in a bottle with First Blood and Rocky. Mr. Johnson doesn’t have an auteur director, nor has he caught lightning. For The Rock to secure his legacy, he needs to find a filmmaker with vision. A collaboration with an auteur could finally give him that signature role or movie. He needs to trust someone else’s vision instead of crafting every project around his well-established persona.

Movies like Die Hard, Rocky, and Terminator weren’t just hits because of their stars; they succeeded because they had directors and scripts that transcended their genres. Johnson’s current formula, fun, action-packed, but ultimately forgettable, doesn’t lend itself to a lasting legacy.

However, Johnson’s story isn’t over, and there’s hope he can pivot. Lesser actors have reinvented themselves, and Johnson could do the same. But to achieve this, he must step outside his comfort zone. Let someone else call the shots. Find a filmmaker with a distinct style and vision. Until then, The Rock remains the king of fun but forgettable movies. And while there’s no shame in dominating the box office, a mountain of mediocre films won’t make for a lasting legacy. Here’s hoping he finds his Terminator or his Rambo. Because if anyone has the charisma to carry a movie into cinematic immortality, it’s The Rock. Let’s just hope it’s not San Andreas 2.

- Brad McBoom