The Smashing Machine Reviews

If you are expecting a fighting film, this is not what it’s about.

This film is literally spectating the life of Mark Kerr, this film is about accepting loss, this film is about life.

It left me speechless, in all different sectors, I don’t even know where to start.

The Rock… Dwayne, let me just say, I’ve hated everything about you, about how you act, how you had your contract where you couldn’t lose but today, today you changed my mind, today you proved that under the right direction you are indeed good, and in this, you are spectacular. I’m so glad you wanted moviegoers to take you seriously, because now I am, and I can’t wait to see more, you really stood out.

The cinematography is just breathtaking, Benny Safdie, thank you for that, because this film is pleasant to the eyes, it reminds you of film rather than digital the whole time and the grading is just stunning, and also having most of the film in free hand, chefs kiss.

Emily Blunt brings it on, like she always does, yet in this film I just find it so so so so so good, just overall extremely realistic and she brought on her A game once again, giving one of the best, if not the best performance of her career.

Touching on the story wouldn’t be extremely right since it’s already a real story but let me tell you this, those arguments between the two, relatable, realistic, insane and overall just extremely well written, as the rest of the film is.

Safdie has taken a segment in the life of Kerr, given us raw emotion, the power of loss and how it breaks a man (or a woman), how it affects the ones around you, the drive to take things back to power and gives us the final lesson, after another loss, are you going to fall in to the same cyclical hell, or are you going to act the right way?

This film is about acceptance to yourself, in sports, in relationships with yourself and your significant other.

Overall this was a big, bold, powerful picture that Safdie brought to the game, something new and exciting, a different kind of biopic.

This December, Josh Safdie will be releasing “Marty Supreme” and although I know both brothers are going to crush it, as Benny just did, people will be comparing, and this film is good, this is a film that had people questioning Benny’s sanity for casting someone like The Rock, and he did it. A. BIG. BOLD. STATEMENT.

Lastly, this is something personal, how the hell am I living in a year where, Spike Lee, Jeffrey Wright and Denzel Washington make an unpleasant film (my opinion) and The Rock strives to greatness with acting??? How did this happen? Now I can’t wait to see the new Scorsese Movie with The Rock, yes it’s for real, already announced.

Lmk what you think of the film, no wrong answers, your opinion matters and always will.

I wanted to like it but it really felt like it lacked having any specific plot/arc/messaging. Like its based on his life/a true story….the story just isn’t all that interesting the way the movie tells it. Its well acted but the emotional beats and tone of the movie were not there

Rock Oscar nom coming

Rating: 7/10 ⭐️

I expected a glossy Dwayne Johnson movie, but this gritty look at addiction totally caught me off guard.

What Worked:
Shooting on 16mm gives the fights a raw, late-90s texture. Johnson delivers the most stripped-down performance of his career. Through my Methodist faith lens, seeing a broken man hit rock bottom and seek grace, repentance, and recovery reflects a powerful picture of salvation.

The Cuts:
Focusing on Kerr's relapse cycles meant the narrative momentum really stalled out during the endless arguments in his apartment. Keeping it spoiler-free, the supporting cast of MMA pioneers just pop in for cameos without adding depth. Also, the bleak tone rarely gives you a moment to breathe, making it an exhausting watch.

Verdict:
A raw, punishing look at MMA anchored by a career-best Johnson. Skip if you want a feel-good sports movie.

Favorite Line: “You need to change.”

Very great story with an ending you won’t predict

He didn't show up at Wrestlemania 41, and ultimately that's why I'm out

this film has so much emotion it’s fucking insane.

it really packs a punch.

i have so much to say, idk where to start.

first and foremost, dwayne johnson… no wonder he got a 15 minute standing ovation at the venice film festival. easily the best acting i’ve seen from him. fuck all his other franchise roles. this was real cinema. this really made him fucking shine, and i couldn’t be happier. took him a fat minute, but so worth the wait. bro is an absolute hulk of a man.

quite literally an absolute smashing machine.

emily blunt… my god i got chills down my spine. what a performance. absolutely incredible. the chemistry she had with the rock should be studied. she absolutely devoured her role.

hands down, both performances are so oscar worthy.

btw the makeup on the rock was top fucking tier. every detail. his fucked up ear, the exact tattoos the real mark has. incredible work.

never said this before, but the casting director on this film deserves a lot of credit. bravo.

the cinematography is exactly as it should be.

all shot hand held, made it so raw and authentic. those casual zoom ins, no fancy, glide cam, steady rig. just real movement absolutely enhanced the feel of this film. and most certainly that crispy color pallet… that halation, giving it that true nostalgic film look was an absolute perfect combination.

screen play is phenomenal. the writing between mark & dawn bro… wow. it felt so real man, not once did i think this was acting. true authentic emotions with real arguments.

i will say one thing tho. it’s probably stupid but funny to me. i’m probably the 0.01% of people who noticed… but if you payed close attention you could spot some cars that weren’t based in the 1990s - 2000s. in tokyo and in LA haha

anyway… this is a great comeback from A24 imo.

highest 2 lowest not really hitting and then dropping this incredible piece of cinema… bravo.

if you watch all the credits you’ll see some pictures of the real mark actually on set and teaching the rock how to fight. that made the film so fucking real. true to his core.

mark kerr’s story is fucking powerful man. the things he went through as one of the first mma fighters is truly remarkable.

really really enjoyed this one.

easily one of my favorite bio pics.

9.8 / 10

Early release screening. I denied to be interviewed for A24

Me gustó, no pensé q me fuera a parecer interesante o no hacerme muy pesada , la historia interesante pero nada del otro mundo, lo q más destaco es si el maquillaje y personificación y construcción de la roca , me pareció súper bien, mejor que otros q si estan nominados a premios

emily blunt is hot and Dwayne Johnson is good in this but I didn’t really understand the plot or why this particular part of Mark’s story needed to be told

6/10 Interesting true story, great cast and amazing makeup on Johnson, how did they managed to hide this massive Chest/Arm tattoo 😎. Recommend.

i’m actually so mad at how bad this movie was

Love Lowly
Rating: 85

Good biographical movie. The Rock gave a great performance as Mark Kerr. You could feel the pressure of being a great fighter and the weight of a loss. Also see Mark dealing with opioid dependency and relationship problems

I’m a sucker for these kind of stories… redemption arcs, hope, etc. I was right about the rock, if he locks in he is a good actor. Amazing performances all around. The fights feel like you’re sitting right there next to it! Had a great time watching it, felt real

7.3/10



08/08/26

5/10 meh

Boring as fuck

67/100

Starts a bit hectic but as it settles in it just gets better and better. Definitely the Rock’s best performance and his and Emily blunt’s on screen chemistry and dynamic make the movie. Also one of the most beautiful renditions of the national anthem I’ve heard.

8.7/10