DARREN:The Rockwill run for President.
He will be greeted by adoring crowds who love his movies and laugh about his decade-oldKevin Hartjokes.
He will receive puff-piece interviews from adoring reporters desperate to impress him.
Frank Masi/NBC
This is what happens inYoung Rock, and also what I assume will happen in real life.
The new sitcom plants Johnson’s presidential run in 2032.
Johnson plays himself as a candidate getting interviewed by Randall Park, playing himself as an actor-turned-newsman.
Mark Taylor/NBC
In the premiere, their chat introduces three short stories from the Rock’s youth.
By 1990, Dwayne (Uli Latukefu) is playing football for the University of Miami.
KRISTEN:Disclaimer: I’m a longtime fan of The Rock.
(Hang in there, Bobby Moynihan!)
There’s a lot of wrestling nostalgia that fans over a certain age will enjoy.
What fun it must have been to grow up alongside the WWE Justice League.
It’s fan service!
The Rock is nothing if not savvy about what people want from him.
CueDoc Brown: “Ronald Reagan?
You’re probably right about the trueYoung Rockagenda.
In the short-term, though, do you think the quadruple-timeline structure is sustainable?
Do you have a favorite timeline so far?
It makes the ’80s Hawaii setting like a full show unto itself.
Khan is definitely working hard to squeeze her co-creator/subject’s wandering biography into a fast-paced sitcom format.
I’m a lot more invested in the parents.
Rocky’s professional standing wanes through the years, so some sadness hides underneath his unstoppable braggadocio.
(Give me two hours and I’ll explain whyHerculesis his most personal essay.)
Are there parts ofYoung Rockthat you’re really invested in, Kristen?
KRISTEN:The 2032 scenes don’t bother me, to be honest.
That said, Rosario Dawson’s first appearance as [REDACTED] was underwhelming at best.
I hope we see more of that going forward.
The show made me laugh, and a few times it even dropkicked me right in the feels.
Future me may regret this, but I’m givingYoung Rockmy endorsement.
Kristen’s Grade: B+
Darren’s Grade: B-
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