Dwayne Johnson has become one of the most sought-after action stars in Hollywood. It wasn’t always that way. He was once an underdog in the industry, trying to be more than just a famous wrestler. In 2003, he got his first lead role in The Rundown from Universal Pictures. While the movie is considered average, it showed that Johnson was capable of being more than just a wrestling personality. The movie is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, allowing fans to see the beginning of his rise to stardom.
Released in 2003, The Rundown sees Johnson step into the shoes of Beck, an aspiring chef with a love for culinary artistry who, under the circumstances, ends up as a bounty hunter to fund his dream of opening his own restaurant. When tasked with retrieving the elusive son, Travis (played by Seann William Scott), of a gangster from the Brazilian jungle, Beck finds himself in a whirlwind of adventure, humor, and life-or-death situations that test not just his physical prowess but his moral compass.
What sets The Rundown apart from your typical action-thriller is its unique blend of comedy, adventure, and action. Johnson brings to life an “unexpected hero” character, which makes the character more relatable. Beck’s journey from a reluctant adventurer to an unwilling hero is peppered with both hilarity and heartwarming moments. He takes us through an action-packed narrative filled with impressive fight sequences, exotic locales, and engaging character dynamics that are sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
While Johnson’s natural charisma and impressive physicality set the stage for epic action sequences, the movie’s success equally stems from its well-developed characters and the chemistry between the star-studded cast. Rosario Dawson shines as Mariana, a local bartender and rebel leader who becomes Beck’s ally, while Christopher Walken delivers a memorable performance as the villainous Cornelius Bernard Hatcher. Each character adds depth and dimension to the storyline, making the film more than just an action escapade.
Whether you’re in it for the action, the laughs, or to witness the undeniable chemistry and banter between Johnson and Scott, The Rundown has something for everyone. It’s a film that encapsulates a pivotal moment in Johnson’s career. For those who have followed Johnson’s career from the beginning, The Rundown is a nostalgic reminder of his journey. For newer fans, it’s a delightful introduction to the man who would go on to become one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
As The Rundown makes its streaming debut on Prime Video, it’s the perfect opportunity to sit back and watch a defining moment in action cinema. So, gather your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a rip-roaring adventure that holds up nearly two decades later. Whether it’s your first viewing or your fiftieth, The Rundown remains a testament to Johnson’s enduring appeal and his ability to captivate audiences everywhere.
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The New England Patriots offense had an ugly performance in their 21-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt keyed on what opposing defenses should look to do against the Patriots. Per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Watt said after the game that the Steelers had a plan for how to get the Patriots to cough up the football. “Mike (Tomlin) had a big presentation on it earlier in the week,” Watt said, of the Steelers’ Patriots prep. “I think 38 (Rhamondre Stevenson) had eight or nine fumbles last year (he had seven), which is a very high amount. Four (Antonio Gibson) had a couple fumbles. And we knew 10 (Drake Maye) had a bunch of fumbles as well (he had nine), when he was in the pocket. "It was something we highlighted each and every day. There was a constant reminder throughout the week. We just needed to deliver and I’m glad we did.” Why T.J. Watt's comments are concerning for Patriots Tomlin's presentation worked. The Patriots turned the ball over five times, four of which were lost fumbles. Stevenson lost two fumbles. Maye lost one fumble and had an interception. The issue with Stevenson isn't as big a deal for the Patriots as Maye. Rookie TreVeyon Stevenson will eventually become the lead back in New England. But Watt's diagnosis for Maye is concerning. Part of Maye's successful development in the league will mean he can play efficient football in the pocket. Not only is his passing game a liability there, but opposing defenses know he lacks awareness in the pocket and is susceptible to fumbling. Look for defenses to take advantage of that information until the Patriots can stop committing those turnovers.
Ahead of the final six games of the season (all against American League East foes), the Baltimore Orioles have activated catcher Adley Rutschman. The move may have little to do with this season and everything about what the Orioles may do with Rutschman in the offseason. Sidelined with a right oblique strain since Aug. 21 (retroactive to Aug. 18), Rutschman has struggled this season, slashing just .227/.310/.373 with nine homers and 29 RBI. His OPS+ of 92 is the lowest in the four years he has been behind the plate in Baltimore. While the Orioles certainly would like to get the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft back behind the plate to finish out the season, this short six-game stint against the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees may also serve as an audition for Rutschman should the Orioles decide to move him in the offseason. Why would the Orioles move on from Rutschman? After playing in just four games, Baltimore signed 21-year-old catcher Samuel Basallo to an eight-year extension worth $67M and could jump up to $88.5M with incentives. The deal means Basallo will be with Baltimore through the 2033 season and has an option to extend that to 2034 as well. With the Orioles investing so much in Basallo, could the 27-year-old Rutschman be on his way out of Charm City? Baltimore could well keep the younger and cost-controlled Basallo behind the plate and use Rutschman as a trade piece this offseason, helping the Orioles rebuild quickly from a season where they will likely finish in the division cellar. With Rutschman coming back, he has the chance to put a positive spin on what has been a disappointing season. If he can show well in the final six games, it could be a great selling point for the Orioles this offseason in any kind of trade talks surrounding him. Orioles are faced with one of two options with Basallo and Rutschman Baltimore interim manager Tony Mansolino has already hinted that Basallo and Rutschman could be in the same lineup together in 2026, emphasizing that Basallo could play first base (a position that could likely be his in 2026 if the Orioles decide to not push Coby Mayo there). Mansolino also added that between first base, catcher and designated hitter, there may be enough at-bats for both Basallo and Rutschman. If that's the case, Baltimore is believing that not only can Basallo play first base at an MLB-level (he has played there in one game so far this season) and Rutschman can bounce back from a down 2025. Baltimore could likely land a nice return package (perhaps centered around pitching) if it decides to trade Rutschman in the offseason, something that MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today believes will happen, writing, "There will be no bigger position player on the trade block this winter than Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman." These next six games may not determine much in the standings for the Orioles, but could give a hint about Rutschman's future and what is to come at catcher in 2026.
The New York Rangers are preparing to start a transitional season, following the arrival of new head coach Mike Sullivan and some important adjustments to the squad. Among the players facing a decisive season is Brennan Othmann, a left winger who was selected in the first round of the 2021 NHL draft. Othmann, 22, is entering his third and final year of his contract with the Rangers, but his expiring deal is not the only reason why he will have to prove himself this season. The Canadian has had difficulties meeting the high expectations around him and although he may no longer have time to establish himself as a top-six forward, this is the best time to establish himself in a lower role. Othmann's clock is ticking as competition for roster spot grows Last season, he only recorded two assists in 22 games with the Rangers, but tallied 12 goals and eight assists in 27 games with the AHL Hartford Wolf Pack. In any case, now Othmann is facing heavier competition within the squad. Both Gabe Perreault and Carey Terrance have left good impressions during preseason camps, and with both having multiple years left on their contracts, the possibility that Othmann's days on the team are numbered increases. That said, the New York team needs depth, especially in the bottom-six, and Othmann must react and respond. He has the necessary grit and physicality, and if he manages to establish himself there, he could become a solid player within the bottom lineups.
The start of the 2025-26 NBA season is right around the corner and one team that will enter the new season with high expectations is the Houston Rockets. Of course, Houston finished with the second-best record in the Western Conference last season but they were unable to make it out of the first round of the playoffs as the Golden State Warriors upset them in seven games. Because of this, the Rockets felt they needed to make some major moves this offseason which started with them acquiring Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for a trade package headlined by Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. Houston also signed Dorian Finney-Smith, Josh Okogie and Clint Capela in free agency to upgrade their bench. By making these moves, the Rockets are looking to make a run at a championship this season behind their core of Durant, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, though they were dealt some devastating news on Monday. Rockets Dealt Unfortunate Fred VanVleet News According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Rockets starting point guard Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL that could keep him sidelined for the entire season. This is a massive blow for the Rockets as they will now be without their starting point guard who has been a key player and leader for them over the past handful of seasons. Mock Trade Lands Rockets Trae Young With VanVleet’s injury, Houston could look to find a new point guard via the trade market and one player they could target is Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young. In a potential trade, the Rockets could send VanVleet, Reed Sheppard, Capela, Tari Eason and multiple draft picks to the Hawks for Young. For Atlanta, moving on from Young would be a tough decision, though they have yet to offer him a new contract with him potentially being a free agent next offseason. On the other side, the Rockets would give up a large trade package to acquire Young, including both VanVleet and Sheppard, though the star guard could help them compete for a title this season. Of course, Young is an elite 3-point shooter and playmaker who could fit well in Houston’s lineup. Last season, the 27-year-old star averaged 24.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 11.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 41.1% from the field and 34.0% from three. While Young could be a solid addition to Houston’s lineup, Atlanta may not be willing to move him this season after they made major moves to upgrade their roster this offseason but with his future with the franchise in question, they may elect to move him.
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