The Chaperone

Though I'm no wrestling fan, I am very familiar with the media presence of "Triple H" (Paul Levesque). Who says (former) wrestlers can't make the big screen? The Rock, Mr. T (before he switched to pro boxing), The Hulkster, Andre the Giant, etc.

Levesque is actually well-fitted in this role, and very convincing; for his first actual big screen debut. He certainly can act; no doubt about that. The on-screen chemistry he shares with costar, veteran actress Annabeth Gish, is the most surprising. They play brilliantly off each other. Gish is even more gorgeous today, especially in this film, than during her 80's 'Mystic Pizza' days where she portrayed mostly straight-laced, virginal school girl roles. And with more than 30 films to her credit, including a few television appearances, she certainly has earned icon status.

This film does NOT disappoint. I originally streamed it off Netflix, curious - seeing that "Triple H" was in the title. Again, very impressive. A must-see indeed.

An ex-con is trying to go straight and be a good dad to his daughter. He agrees to chaperone his daughter's class field trip. However two criminal associates of his chase after him and hijinks ensue. This is a lukewarm attempt by pro wrestler Paul Levesque (aka Triple H) to follow the Rock into making family movies like The Tooth Fairy. It's not bad for what it is but I was kind of surprised to find it wasn't made for television. Levesque is perfectly fine in his role. He does nothing to impress or offend. It's nothing special but kids and people wanting to watch innocuous 'action' movies might like it. Also I guess big wrestling fans might like it.

Now I can probably guess what most of the people would think when hearing about this film for the first time. We have a WWE produced family comedy/light drama with wrestler Triple H in the title role. He doesn't quite look like the guy for this kinda role but then again we shouldn't judge the book by its cover. In truth Triple H can actually act. I found myself believing his acting and liking his character. I gotta say I enjoyed this movie more than some of Steve Austins action bloodbaths. If I was to give you some advice itd be go see this without prejudice. Leave expectations at the door and just go with the flow - the ride ain't half bad.

6/10

(Plot) A con filled with regrets is on the run to hide from his troubled past as a criminal. He decides to shield himself by sneaking into his field trip to be The Chaperone.

This wasn't exactly good, but it managed to be a hell of a lot better than I expected. It's fairly genuine in its approach, and Triple H (Paul Levesque) is actually non pretentious and likable, something I can hardly say about him in the WWE. The plot is nothing special and is something we've all seen quite a few times before done in different way. This is the type of family affair that most families will most likely groove to. It has just enough action to do an adequate job for adults, and its innocuous storyline will be just perfect for kids. I can't believe I'm saying this, but it's really not that bad of a film. It's well made for the most part, and the cast is rather solid as well. Triple H proves he can be likable after all. He gets lots of digs taken at him for this, but he wasn't too bad at all. Ariel Winter is as cute as a button and she and Triple H play off one another well as Father & Daughter. Winter got on my nerves a couple times with her snotty attitude, but considering the circumstances, it was understandable.

Final Thoughts: It's not something I'm going to watch again. I don't care for Triple H at all, but I give credit where credit is due when it is deserved. It pains me to say this, but it's really not as horrible as you've been lead to believe.

5/10

Well this movie was somewhat of a surprise. Who knew that WWE could come up with something straight out of the Disney family movie production drawer?

The story is pretty simple and straight forward. Ray Bradstone (played by Paul Levesque) comes out from prison after 7 years of incarceration, and wants to reacquaint himself with his estranged daughter Sally (played by Ariel Winter). But friends from his old criminal past manage to convince Ray to do one more job. Then things get mixed up and turn complicated.

The cast in the movie did a good job with their roles, and I must admit that despite his wrestling career, then Paul Levesque actually did a good job with that role. And of course this movie, being a family movie, have lots of stereotypical characters in it.

"The Chaperone" is good entertainment for kids and adults alike.