Dwayne Johnson has been known worldwide as "The Rock," one of the greatest wrestlers the sport has ever seen. He also began to switch to a movie star in the early 2000s, and has since taken the world by storm with his action movie prowess as well.
Johnson has typically starred in buddy comedies, action films, and blockbuster franchises like "Jumanji." However, his debut into the world of heavy dramatic roles is finally here.
Ben Safdie, known for "Uncut Gems," has written and directed a biopic on MMA star Mark Kerr. Johnson takes on the role of Kerr, showcasing a more dramatic look at the life of one of mixed martial arts' greatest fighters.
"The Smashing Machine" has a release date of October 3, but the premiere for the film is currently ongoing. That said, early reviews for the film are beginning to pour out, with outlets all leaning one way on the Johnson-led drama.
The Hollywood Reporter writes:
“For a movie anchored by an actor who became famous for his staged bouts in the WWE, The Smashing Machine’s greatest attribute may be the way much of it doesn’t feel fake at all. Excluding some of the drama with Dawn, which goes a bit overboard in the last act, Safdie succeeds in making Kerr’s struggles as lifelike as possible. When, in a late switcheroo that’s yet another fit of realism, the actual Kerr briefly replaces Johnson, it’s 25 years later and he looks nothing like the man we’ve been watching. Yet he seems to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.”
Variety states:
“‘The Smashing Machine’ isn’t a sports movie that wants to jerk a Pavolvian response of triumph out of us. It’s after something subtler and more moving. By the end of the film, Mark, who had grown so used to winning, has won in the most transformative way. He has found the man buried inside the machine.”
Discussing Film gives the film a 4.5/5 stars and says:
“Compact fragments of Mark Kerr’s psyche reveal themselves one by one throughout the movie, slowly painting an honorable, cinematic mural of the former MMA champion on the big screen -- inclusive of his human imperfections and perseverance. The Smashing Machine holds all of the blood, sweat, and tears shed to equal value. In doing so, this biopic amounts to something much bigger than just the sport at hand. It values wins and losses fairly, but excels when pondering how we, as humans, find harmony between the pillars that tend to make or break us.”
Jairo Jimenez writes:
“THE SMASHING MACHINE stands out for its authenticity & raw portrayal. Safdie’s direction balances the brutality of the ring w/ a humane & heartfelt narrative. The chemistry between Johnson & Blunt is genuine & touching, elevating the drama w/ shocking emotional depth. #Venezia82.”
Though it is a little over a month until "The Smashing Machine" will hit theaters, the film is already drawing plenty of positive reviews, along with Johnson potentially receiving Academy Award recognition for his dramatic acting.