‘The Smashing Machine’ Evaluate: Dwayne Johnson shines in gritty biopic

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For a complete era of People, Dwayne Johnson has solely been generally known as certainly one of Hollywood's most bankable actors, not for being the skilled wrestler generally known as merely "The Rock" that made him well-known to start with. However in A24's "The Smashing Machine," the 2 worlds collide.

Johnson is nearly unrecognizable as real-life MMA fighter Mark Kerr, one of many pioneers that helped put the Final Combating Championship on the map within the late 90s. Immediately, UFC has gotten so well-liked that President Donald Trump is bringing the octagon to the White House lawn subsequent Fourth of July to have a good time America's 250th birthday.

For Kerr, profitable is all he is aware of. Early on within the movie he says he "seems like a god" as a result of each time he wins, there's at all times one other fighter to face. Competing in Japan's Delight Combating Championship, he's confused when a Japanese reporter presses him on how he would really feel if he misplaced his subsequent struggle. He tells the reporter, "I do not know the way to reply to that as a result of I've by no means misplaced."

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Dwayne Johnson stars as MMA fighter Mark Kerr in A24's "The Smashing Machine. (Eric Zachanowich/A24)

His profitable streak comes at a value as he struggles together with his near-fatal opioid habit. He does have his personal assist system, made up of his then-girlfriend (and eventual ex-wife) Daybreak Staples, performed by his "Jungle Cruise" co-star Emily Blunt, and his finest pal, colleague and rival Mark Coleman, performed by MMA fighter Ryan Bader making his performing debut.

Kerr is a mild large, having nearly a child-like high quality to him exterior the ring (he repeatedly refers to his "tummy"). That stated, the person certain has a mood — it is onerous to think about how a lot he spends changing doorways he is demolished from matches of rage in his home. Daybreak could be a sizzling head too. Whereas she was a constructive drive in combating his habit, her personal private demons floor as she turns into resentful at how he is not fulfilling her wants after sobering up in rehab.

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Emily Blunt and Dwyane Johnson lead A24's Mark Kerr biopic "The Smashing Machine." (Ken Hirama/A24)

"The Smashing Machine" was written and directed by Benny Safdie, his first solo characteristic outing following co-directing 2019's good "Uncut Gems" together with his brother Josh Safdie. With "Uncut Gems," there was such an emotional funding for a viewer that was missing in "The Smashing Machine." Positive, you are rooting for Kerr, however you are largely going via the motions.

On the coronary heart of this movie is Johnson's transformative efficiency. For almost 25 years, Johnson has solely executed popcorn flicks with many hits like his "Jumanji," "Quick & Livid" and "Moana" movies, with just a few misses alongside the best way (ahem, "Tooth Fairy"). However by no means has he taken on a critical function like he does right here. The deep disgrace he expresses within the hospital mattress following an overdose reveals a facet of "The Rock " audiences haven’t seen. The efficiency may very well be Johnson’s model of Matthew McConaughey’ s profession pivot with " Dallas Consumers Membership." So do not be stunned if Johnson lands himself an Oscar nod subsequent yr.

Johnson’s transformation is aided by outstanding hair and make-up work that makes him disappear into Kerr. Shot on 16 and 65 mm movie, "The Smashing Machine" seems like a time capsule — as for those who’re watching an outdated VHS tape.

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Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson reenters the ring in "The Smashing Machine." (Cheryl Dunn/A24)

The Verdict: "The Smashing Machine" is a gritty biopic UFC and Johnson followers will admire, but it surely’s Johnson’s efficiency that provides the movie its heartbeat. Johnson is "The Smashing Machine." Past that, there is not a lot else to carry onto.

★★★ — STREAM IT LATER "The Smashing Machine" is rated R for language and a few drug abuse. Operating time: 2 hours, 3 minutes. In theaters October 3, 2025.

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Joseph A. Wulfsohn is a media reporter for Fox Information Digital. Story suggestions may be despatched to joseph.wulfsohn@fox.com and on Twitter: @JosephWulfsohn.