Dwayne Johnson Actually Learned a Prison Fighting Style for ‘Faster’

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  • What Is 52 Blocks and How Did Dwayne Johnson Learn It for ‘Faster’
  • Should You Watch ‘Faster’

As a die-hard fan of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and someone who appreciates a good action flick with a dash of grittiness, I found myself quite intrigued by this review of Faster. Now, I’ve watched my fair share of The Rock’s films, from his wrestling days to his blockbuster movies, but Faster seemed to be a bit of an underrated gem in his filmography.

Is there any other figure who has transitioned more triumphantly from the wrestling arena to the big screen than Dwayne Johnson? Although John Cena puts up a good fight, Johnson stands out as the epitome of someone who’s turned wrestling fame into a thriving Hollywood career. Compared to Hulk Hogan, Johnson’s acting success is more consistently recognized. It’s no wonder then that Dwayne Johnson’s latest action revenge flick, Faster, which just landed on Netflix, has been climbing the rankings rapidly.

2010 marked the year when “Faster” hit the screens, offering audiences a glimpse into Dwayne Johnson’s earlier career as he was honing the perfect blend of action and humor that has endeared him to fans today. This makes “Faster” a rare treasure in his filmography since it showcases much of the hard work and preparation that went unnoticed during this period, such as mastering a martial art for the role. In this article, we delve into why “Faster” didn’t receive more attention, explore the distinctive martial art Johnson learned for the character, and discuss whether it’s worth giving the film a watch.

Dwayne Johnson Gets Intense in ‘Faster’

As a cinephile, I find myself drawn to the gripping tale of Jimmy Cullen, known as “Driver,” who’s just stepped out of prison after a decade. His freedom comes at the cost of a botched robbery that took his brother’s life. In the outside world, Driver arms himself, acquires a Chevrolet Chevelle, and clutches a list of names he believes are linked to his brother’s death and wrongful conviction. With each name crossed off, he delves deeper into the truth behind his framing and discovers that someone from his inner circle was involved in the plot. The high-octane action film, Faster, is a rollercoaster ride of revenge, filled with unexpected twists and turns.

In the early part of the 2010s, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was transitioning from wrestling to acting, and it was during this time that he began to lay the groundwork for his future cinematic success. This is when the movie “Faster” was released. Alongside Johnson in this film were several notable figures such as Billy Bob Thornton, Maggie Grace, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Mike Epps, and Tom Berenger. George Tillman Jr., who has also directed films like “Big George Foreman” (2023), “Notorious” (2009), and “Men of Honour” (2000), was the director for “Faster”. The film earned a modest income, as it had a production budget of $24 million and grossed $35.6 million at the global box office.

What Is 52 Blocks and How Did Dwayne Johnson Learn It for ‘Faster’

As a movie reviewer, I’d put it this way: “Intriguingly shrouded in historical mystery, the origins of ’52 Blocks,’ colloquially known as ‘Jailhouse Rock,’ are believed to have been born among American slaves in the 1800s, stemming from a combat style called ‘Virginia Scufflin’ or ‘Knocking and Kicking.’ This fighting technique found new life within the prison system post-Civil War, serving as a means of self-defense. While its exact roots remain debated, it’s clear that 52 Blocks was honed for survival in the penal institution. This martial art style is all about striking a balance between offense and defense, with a focus on traditional boxing moves, as well as knees and elbows in tight spaces. What truly sets 52 Blocks apart is its emphasis on adaptability and movement within confined areas.

The practice has gained some prominence in the public eye; Wu-Tang Clan referenced it, and actor Larenz Tate and singer Ludacris have practiced this martial art. It’s been suggested that Mike Tyson may have incorporated some of its techniques into his boxing career due to his time spent in prison. For the movie “Faster”, Dwayne Johnson studied this martial art for a particular scene, the “club toilet fight scene.” It’s said he mastered it in just two days, leaving open the question of whether it was solely for the choreography or a genuine interest in the martial art; who taught him remains unknown. Nevertheless, this brief instruction seemed worthwhile, as the scene is one of the most memorable moments in the action film.

Should You Watch ‘Faster’

From the perspective of both fans and critics, the action film Faster doesn’t seem to have received a favorable reception. At present, it holds a 41% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 128 critic reviews and a 52% score on the Popcornmeter. IMDB is slightly more generous at 6.7/10, while Letterboxd rates it 2.7/5. The primary issues raised include the plot and pace, with many viewers finding the numerous subplots distracting and detracting from Driver’s quest for revenge. Additionally, some felt that the villain’s connection to an evangelical church failed to offer any insightful commentary on the morality of revenge or corruption within religious institutions. While most appreciated the action sequences, some found them repetitive and the excessive exposition contributed to a slower pace.

All critiques against Faster are fair, to a point, and the movie is far from being that perfect revenge movie many wanted. Yet, Faster’s recent climb up the Netflix charts proves there is more to the Johnson-led action flick. Much of this does come from the great performance of Dwayne Johnson, who embodies a brooding and intimidating force of vengeance to near perfection.

However, the action sequences and tone really are a double-edged sword, where some found the darker themes engaging despite how many tangents the film went on, and the action acted as a highlight to the story, not repetitive. Faster is far from perfect, but it is still a competently woven tale of revenge that highlights the early star power of Dwayne Johnson. For fans of the actor, it is a must-watch. You can stream Faster on Netflix and Paramount+.

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2024-12-08 06:31