For a whole generation of Americans, Dwayne Johnson is only known as one of the most bankable actors in Hollywood, not because he is the professional wrestler who is easily known ‘the rock’ who made him famous to start with. But in A24’s “The Smashing Machine” the two worlds collide.
Johnson is almost unrecognizable as Real-Life MMA hunter Mark Kerr, one of the pioneers who helped at the ultimate fighting championship on the map in the late 90s. Today UFC has become so popular that President Donald Trump brings the Octagon next July to the Lawn Birthday of the White House.
For Kerr, winning is everything he knows. Early in the film he says he “feels like a god” because every time he wins, there is always another hunter to face. Competing in the Japanese Pride Fighting Championship, he is no more words when a Japanese reporter presses him on how he would feel if he loses his next fight. He says to the reporter: “I don’t know how to respond because I never lost.”
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Dwayne Johnson shines as MMA hunter Mark Kerr in A24’s “The Smashing Machine. (Eric Zachanowich/A24)
His winning streak costs a costs if he is struggling with his almost fatal opioid addiction. He has his own support system, consisting of his girlfriend (and ultimately ex-wife) Dawn Staples, played by his “Jungle Cruise” co-star Emily Blunt, and his best friend, colleague and rival Mark Coleman, played by MMA hunter Ryan Bader who made his acting debut.
Kerr is a soft giant, with almost a childish quality for him outside the ring (he repeatedly refers to his “belly”). That said, the man certainly has a mood – it’s hard to imagine how much he spends doors on replacing doors he has demolished with anger in his house. Dawn can also be a hot head. Although she was a positive force in combating his addiction, her own personal demons come up because she becomes resentment about how he no longer fulfills her needs after sobering rehabilitation.
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Emily Blunt and Dwyane Johnson Leiden A24’s Mark Kerr Biopic ‘The Smashing Machine’. (Ken Hirama/A24)
“The Smashing Machine” was written and directed by Benny Safdie, his first solo function outing after co-director of 2019’s brilliant “Uncut Gems” with his brother Josh Safdie. With “uncut precious stones” there was such an emotional investment for a viewer who was missing in “The Smashing Machine”. Of course, your root for Kerr, but you usually go through the movements.
The core of this film is Johnson’s transforming performance. For almost 25 years, Johnson has only done popcorn films with many hits such as his “Jumanji”, “Fast & Furious” and “Moana” films, with a few misses en route (Ahem, “Tooth Fairy”). But he has never taken on a serious role like here. The deep shame he expresses in the hospital bed after an overdose reveals a side of “the rock“ The audience has not seen it. The performance can be Johnson’s version of Matthew McConaughey’s career -pivot with “Dallas Buyers Club. “So don’t be surprised when Johnson will end up an Oscar nod next year.
Johnson’s transformation is helped by remarkable hair and makeup work that makes him disappear into Kerr. Recorded on film of 16 and 65 mm feels “The Smashing Machine” as a time capsule – as if you are watching an old VHS tape.
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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson knows the ring in “The Smashing Machine”. (Cheryl Dunn/A24)
The verdict:
“The Smashing Machine” is a Gruizige Biopic UFC and Johnson fans, but it is the performance of Johnson who gives the film its heartbeat. Johnson is “The Smashing Machine.” Furthermore, there is not much different to hold.
★★★ – Stream it later
“The Smashing Machine” is assessed for for language and some drug abuse. Duration: 2 hours, 3 minutes. In theaters October 3, 2025.
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