In his journey from professional wrestler to popular actor, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has played to his strengths, transferring his showmanship, comedic timing and muscular physique from the ring to the screen.
Over a cinema career spanning fifteen years, his persona has evolved into an archetype, with his no-nonsense yet knowingly humorous brand perpetuated in everything from The Other Guys to the last two instalments of the Fast & Furious series. Audiences have warmed to his presence, even as he remains tied to the familiar. Snitch may offer more of the same, but it also adds another dimension to his performances: thoughtfulness.
Cast as construction company owner John Matthews, Johnson is immediately imbued with traits commonly associated with his characters. His warehouse introduction illustrates a hard-working mentality, a conversation demonstrates his willingness to take chances, and an amiable interaction with an ex-con employee (Jon Bernthal, Rampart) paints him as a good-natured man of the people. The film plays upon these elements, as Matthews becomes embroiled in a legal quandary. Ever enterprising and devoted, only he can save his son (Rafi Gavron, Celeste & Jesse Forever) from a prison sentence by locating a bigger bad guy for the ruthless prosecutor (Susan Sarandon, The Big Wedding).
As the expected plot machinations play out in a scenario loosely based on real events, undercover agents (Barry Pepper, Broken City), drug dealers (Michael Kenneth Williams, TV’s Boardwalk Empire) and cartel kingpins (Benjamin Bratt, Law & Order) are embroiled in Matthews’ efforts, whilst wives former (Melina Kanakaredes, CSI: NY) and present (Nadine Velazquez, Flight) fret about their families and futures. Johnson becomes the considered constant in the centre, his carrying of the emotional and narrative burdens affording an opportunity to display more than the usual banter and brawn.
The impact of Johnson’s broadened performance cannot be underestimated; in a film that otherwise paints by the numbers in combining aspects of crime dramas, legal thrillers and action efforts, he provides the standard story with a point of interest. Writer/director Ric Roman Waugh (Felon) may frame him as a customary hero, populating his dialogue with exposition co-scripted by Justin Haythe (Revolutionary Road), however his earnestness and empathy proves much more effective than the feature’s attempt to add depth by canvassing the issue of mandatory minimum jail terms.
The remainder of the competently-crafted film is content with cliché, its sole other surprise stemming from the favouritism for drama over violence. With predictability and implausibility competing for attention, and the usual gritty aesthetic courtesy of cinematographer Dana Gonzales (Southland), Snitch is only memorable for its acting – no easy feat when populated with a supporting cast largely playing to type.
Rating: 2.5 stars
Snitch
Director: Ric Roman Waugh
US, 2013, 112 mins
Release date: May 16
Distributor: Studio Canal
Rated: M
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