The Rock's New Film Hits the Gridiron Running

The latest movie from action star "The Rock," the impressive football-influenced "Gridiron Gang," scored big at the box office this weekend with a first-place opening. The film was shot in parts of Los Angeles, including many scenes at Valley College,

Based on the true story of juvenile detention camp probation officer Sean Porter (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson), the movie is an inspirational look into how determination can help change lives for a group of rough kids.

Frustrated by the high-percentage relapse rate of the teen-age felons, Porter feels responsible for the young men at Camp Kilpatrick. The movie focuses on Porter, a former college football star who comes up with the idea to form a football team at the camp. The genuine story line is a great reason to watch "Gridiron," especially since its something that hasn't been seen in recent years.

Firmly believing that football will teach these young inmates what it takes to be responsible and show them how to be winners for the first time in their lives, Porter teams up with fellow probation officer Malcolm Moore (Xzibit), to coach the team.

The Rock and Xzibit do an excellent job of portraying the obstacles both officers have to overcome in the movie, including doubts from their skeptical bosses and the objections of coaches at rival high schools, who don't want their players mixing it up with convicted criminals on the football field.

During the course of the movie the juveniles must learn discipline and also give up their gang rivalries on the football field, or "the Gridiron" as Coach Porter refers to it, to unite as a team. The movie does a great job of showing the success the players can achieve with the hard work and discipline Coach Porter instilled in them.

Judging from all the commercials and promotions the movie has had so far you may think that this is just another coming-of-age football movie, but the truth is "Gridiron" is one intense and realistic look into the lives of the movie's characters, who are based on the actual players from Camp Kilpatrick.

This movie also features The Rock in the performance of his career. His portrayal of Coach Porter, who changed the kids' lives by showing them a better path, was right on point. From the tough side needed for the troubled teenagers, to the more human side seen when Porter faces challenges in his personal life, Johnson's acting and the movie were just great.