This is what happens to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in his new comedy, Tooth Fairy. Johnson plays Derek Thompson, a former pro hockey player who, after injury, winds up in the minor league - and a benchwarmer to boot.

Derek earns the nickname "The Tooth Fairy" because of his aggressive style of play that leaves his opponents minus a tooth.

Despite his behavior on the ice, he's adored by many young fans. But he's the kind of person who likes to ruin the dreams of supporters seeking advice.

Then one day, he tells Tess (Destiny Whitlock), the young daughter of his girlfriend Carly (Ashley Judd), that there's no such thing as the tooth fairy.

Big mistake. In violation of "dissemination of disbelief", he is summoned to Fairy Land and sentenced to serve two weeks as a tooth fairy, complete with magic wand and wings, under the order of the Fairy Godmother (Julie Andrews).

Cue a host of humiliating moments for the macho hockey player.

Derek is ushered through a series of fairy training by Tracy, his "case worker", who longs to become a tooth fairy himself.

Stephen Merchant, the British comedian and co-creator of the hit BBC TV comedy series The Office and Extras, does a standup job as Tracy.

Veteran Billy Crystal plays an inspired older fairy, providing Derek with magic tools and potions - a shrinking paste, amnesia dust, an invisibility spray and cat repellent - similar to Q in the James Bond franchise.

At first, Derek is reluctant to take the job seriously, causing chaos every time he tries to do his task in strangers' homes.But he slowly adapts to his new position, as it helps him to rediscover his own forgotten dreams.

Besides his duty as a tooth fairy, he also has to deal with the new hotshot star of his hockey team, Mick Donnelly (played by professional skateboarder Ryan Sheckler). Donnelly used to be a big fan of Derek's, but has now become his main rival on the team.

The legend of the tooth fairy or other superstitions involving the teeth are entrenched in most cultures the world over.

In the West, children are typically told to place their baby teeth that have fallen out under their pillow at night. The fairy is said to take the tooth from under the pillow and replace it with money while they sleep.

Many years ago, in Europe it was a common practice to bury a child's tooth that fell out.

In Indonesia, when a child loses a tooth the usual tradition is to throw it onto the roof of the house if it comes from the lower jaw, or onto the ground if it comes from the upper jaw.

Director Michael Lembeck brings us a fairy tale with a twist that's guaranteed to get the whole family laughing. He's familiar with comedy and with fantasy stories like this, having directed myriad episodes of the sitcoms Mad About You, Everybody Loves Raymond and Friends, including the two Santa specials.

With ex-wrestler and action star Johnson on board, don't expect a cute and pretty tooth fairy.

But that's what makes this film funny and enjoyable, providing laughs on how this big macho man tries to do his job as a tooth fairy.

The actor has eased from playing the action hero to now focusing on light family fare.

Check out his previous movies such as Get Smart, where he plays a secret agent, and The Game Plan, about a famous footballer who discovers he has a daughter.

Julie Andrews once again fits in perfectly as the wise and straightforward mother figure.

Among the laughs and special effects, Tooth Fairy sends a message about the importance of living our hopes and dreams. So can you handle the tooth?

Verdict: Fantasy fun for all ages.

Tooth Fairy

Blumhouse Productions/Mayhem Pictures 101 minutes

Directed by Michael Lembeck

Produced by Jim Piddock

Written by Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel

Starring Dwayne Johnson, Ashley Judd, Julie Andrews, Stephen Merchant, Billy Crystal

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