Film Review: The Smashing Machine

Dwayne Johnson is a box office magnet. Red One, San Andreas, the Jumanji films, the Fast and Furious films, Black Adam, Jungle Cruise are all just some of his big budget blockbuster hits that has made him countless of dollars. After the past few decades or so you can’t help but wonder if Johnson could do this forever because he is after all, just like the rest of us, ageing and as a result he will have to be doing less and less action in the years to come. Not that will stop him though! It appears he is in a transitionary period of his life when it comes to his career. He is still honouring his wrestling background but he wants to prove to us and to himself that he is a capable actor and that brings us to The Smashing Machine.

The Smashing Machine is also the name of a documentary about an individual called Mark Kerr, a wrestler who was one of the figures who brought the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships) to mainstream audiences around the world. Kerr is a beast and it was only appropriate for another wrestler to play him which brings us to Johnson. Filmmaker Bennie Safdie, whose work includes Uncut Gems and Good Time with his brother Josh, is going solo behind the camera in a nostalgia-infused character study of Kerr as we learn more about the person behind the punches.

To give Johnson credit where credit is due, he delivers a performance that could honestly see him nominated for some awards in the upcoming awards season. He shows humility, vulnerability and passion as Kerr. That’s not to mention the physical transformation he went through as well, and that isn’t referring to his body. He has prosthetics and a more toned body that usual and it is like he dug himself deep in the role, because this is not the Dwayne Johnson we know, and I mean that in a good way. Emily Blunt plays Kerr’s girlfriend and their chemistry together just amplifies the story. The two actors worked together on Jungle Cruise and their continued relationship just makes these two characters all the more real and grounded.

There are some minor flaws with the film, but that shouldn’t really detract many audience members from seeing it. I had very limited knowledge of the UFC and the film does describe the sport but not in too much detail, so there are certain moments that general audiences may be a little lost or confused, but these moments are brief. The story does dip a few times and the narrative plays it a little safe but luckily it still holds your attention from start to finish. The Smashing Machine is in fact a great film, it has some entertaining features but it is more of a character-based indie drama and it is great to see Johnson in a new light. You’ll have a newfound respect for not only Johnson but also for Kerr and the obstacles and punches he had to go through to become the icon that he became.

★★★★☆

4/5

Final Verdict:

The Smashing Machine definitely does not hold its punches. Dwayne Johnson attempts and succeeds in delivering a performance unlike anything he has done before. He has transformed into Mark Kerr in both mind and body. He brings out the humbling side to Kerr as well as the aggressive side, and acting opposite Emily Blunt also helps as she delivers another attention-holding performance. The film offers little insight into the workings of the UFC but it does put a spotlight on the people involved. This nostalgia infused character study is a film that will be remembered and could mark the start of a new beginning in Johnson’s career.

Thanks for reading today’s blog!

Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions