It’s been 17 years since Gridiron Gang. The inspiring sports drama focused on Sean Porter (Dwayne Johnson), a counselor at a juvenile detention facility who decides to turn the young inmates in his charge into a football team to give them a sense of self-respect and social responsibility. Obviously, Dwayne Johnson has gone onto bigger things such as the Fast and the Furious saga or Black Adam. However, Gridiron Gang wasn’t about Johnson using his muscles to kick some ass. The actor had to find a different way to convey that through his performance.

Dwayne Johnson is one of the biggest names in Hollywood today. Johnson’s net worth is an astounding $800 million because he was a key part in revitalizing franchises like Fast and the Furious and Jumanji. However, despite all of the films the former professional wrestler has done, Gridiron Gang remains the best movie in his filmography.

Gridiron Gang Forced Dwayne Johnson To Show A Different Side As An Actor

Dwayne Johnson is a bonafide action star. The wrestler-turned-actor made his official debut in The Mummy Returns, though The Scorpion King is his first leading run. Johnson was doing more experimental films during his early days as an actor. He starred in comedies like The Tooth Fairy or Be Cool, horror (Doom), and dramas as well. This allowed him to truly showcase his ability as a dynamic actor, though The Gridiron Gang is easily his best performance.

It helps that the film is based on true events. Johnson did some serious research on the subject by watching documentaries regarding Sean Porter and the Mustang’s 1990 Cinderella season. His performance in the film felt genuine and honest. Not once did it ever feel like Johnson was playing a character because his role required him to showcase a different dimension beyond what he’s used to nowadays?

Johnson is mainly equipped with badass one-liners as he’s kicking serious butt throughout. In Gridiron Gang, scenes where he shows compassion through his conversations with Kenny Bates (Trever O’Brien) or Willie Weathers (Jade Yorker), frustration through his actions, or even fear or excitement showed that Johnson was a pretty good actor. The role of Sean Porter fit him like a glove and highlighted that he had a bright future beyond the action genre.

The Story Of Gridiron Gang Featured A Rare Vulnerable Performance From Johnson

When was the last time you saw Dwayne Johnson vulnerable and weak onscreen? In Black Adam, he was virtually invincible. In fact, the only reason he was put away temporarily was because he surrendered. It was noted in an article in the Wall Street Journal that the actor had a clause that stated he couldn’t lose any fights.

Gridiron Gang is not a perfect story by any means. It could be seen as a pedestrian story in the modern age because it’s no different than most Cinderella-type sports films. But this was a rare case where Johnson was extremely vulnerable. His character had to be because it was made clear that Porter wasn’t certainly doing the job for the money.

Since his character was emotionally invested in helping those kids do better once they leave the detention center, it forced Johnson to tap into a feeling that he rarely does these days. This is him displaying a softer side that puts in the father/mentor role. Johnson’s characters in action films lately feel interchangeable because he’s essentially playing the same man under a different name. Whereas in Gridiron Gang, it feels unique for Johnson to step out of his comfort zone to deliver a strong and emotionally driven performance.

The Gridiron Gang Is A Relatable Film

Though the film centers around troubled youths, the themes and topics explored are greatly familiar. When you’re a teenager, you’re still trying to find your place in the world. We all make mistakes during that age. Some are dumber (and more dangerous) than others, but it’s a part of growing up. The message of never giving up on life and growing from our failures is something everyone has to deal with. It’s an inspiring coming-of-age story that resonates worldwide and holds up because these themes are timeless.

Again, it’s a predictable story from beginning to end, but you’ll be hard-pressed to not shed a tear once the credits roll. Gridiron Gang is Dwayne Johnson’s best film. It showcases how well-rounded of an actor he is and reminds audiences how he became such a huge name in the first place. More importantly, it has such an incredible message that sticks with you long after the credits roll.