“Tooth Fairy” — Following the big-screen exploits of elves and bedroom monsters, tooth fairies were inevitably ready for their close-up. “Tooth Fairy” steals liberally from “Monsters Inc.” and “Elf,” among many others. It’s very much what you’d expect: a tale of optimism overcoming disbelief; family fare with comical casting (Julie Andrews as a Fairy Godmother); The Rock in a tutu. But despite its predictability and pat Hollywood cliche, “Tooth Fairy” is mostly charming, thanks largely to the toothy grins of Dwayne Johnson (aka The Rock) and Stephen Merchant, the British comedian and Ricky Gervais sidekick. Johnson plays a minor league hockey player who’s summoned to Tooth Fairy duty (Merchant plays his guide) to penalize his dream-dashing ways. Obvious puns (some from Billy Crystal in a cameo as a veteran fairy) and fully expected redemption follow. Johnson, a human Buzz Lightyear, and the spindly Merchant make the obvious material surprisingly winning. PG for mild language, some rude humor and sports action. 101 minutes. Two stars out of four.
_ Jake Coyle, AP Entertainment Writer
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