THE SMASHING MACHINE Is Hagiography Hiding Behind Dwayne Johnson’s Great Performance

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The documentary *The Smashing Machine* chronicles the life of MMA fighter Mark Kerr from 1997 to 2000, a time when the sport was new and often controversial – now a multi-billion dollar industry. The film reveals Kerr was already struggling with painkiller addiction at the start of his career, and was in a relationship with his girlfriend, Dawn. While it tries too hard to explain his drive to win, the movie offers little insight into who Kerr actually is. We don’t learn about his background, family, or what experiences shaped him. He remains an enigma, mostly presented as a kind, quiet, and gentle person who keeps his feelings hidden and occasionally loses his temper.

Emily Blunt’s character, Dawn, repeatedly and desperately pleads with him to let her in, and it feels like the film anticipates criticism for not fully exploring their relationship. The movie seems to suggest Mark Kerr is a fundamentally unknowable person, implying we shouldn’t fault the film for failing to understand him either. However, this isn’t a very convincing explanation. It would be easier to accept their connection if the film showed *why* these two people, who don’t appear to even like each other, were together in the first place.

Is it possible Mark has changed, or perhaps experienced something difficult? He often seems quite sensitive, suggesting there might be more to him than just his tough exterior. Is he dealing with hidden issues? After watching a two-hour movie focused entirely on him, it’s a lot to ask if I’m supposed to have all the answers.

I only understand Mark Kerr because of Dwayne Johnson’s performance. While a physically imposing fighter seems perfect for him, this role is surprisingly different and challenges him as an actor. He delivers brilliantly, completely transforming into the character. You don’t see any trace of “The Rock” here; instead, he portrays vulnerability, awkwardness, and even a bit of goofiness, shining particularly in the quieter scenes.

This performance is a mixed bag – thrilling because it’s a departure from his usual roles, but also a little disappointing. It’s exciting to see him try something new, and it makes you wish he’d explored this side of himself earlier. He clearly has the talent to be a great actor, and it’s time he left his wrestling persona, ‘The Rock,’ behind when he takes on film roles.

Okay, so Emily Blunt is fantastic, which isn’t a surprise. But honestly, the movie doesn’t really delve into *who* Dawn is as a person, or what motivates her. Still, like Dwayne Johnson, Blunt manages to make her incredibly compelling. She feels so real! And the movie does something really cool with her character. Usually, in boxing or MMA films, the partner is this perfect, grounding force for the fighter, but this movie just says, ‘Hey, women can be flawed and complicated too!’ Dawn is just as troubled and frustrating as Mark, but in her own way. It’s a really smart twist on a classic sports movie trope, and honestly, it’s the best part of the film.

While the beginning and middle of *The Smashing Machine* are decent, the unexpected turns at the end are what truly make the film stand out. I wasn’t bored, and aside from a poorly written, off-screen sports commentator, there wasn’t anything truly *bad* about it. It’s not a *bad* movie, just… unremarkable. This leads to a frustrating experience – the film feels aimless. It touches on themes like competition, relationships, and addiction, but ultimately doesn’t seem to be *about* anything specific. It feels like the director simply wanted to showcase someone he admires and share that appreciation with the audience.

I didn’t fully understand the purpose of *The Smashing Machine* until the very end, when the director explained it. The film points out that modern MMA fighters can become incredibly wealthy and famous, but that’s built on the sacrifices of earlier athletes who struggled for little reward. *The Smashing Machine* is a tribute to Mark Kerr, a kind man who was one of those pioneers, and a reminder that we should remember his contribution to the sport.

While *The Smashing Machine* succeeded in getting me to learn about Mark Kerr, the film itself didn’t quite deliver. I found myself more curious about Kerr’s life *after* the events depicted than about the movie’s story. Honestly, I was hoping for a follow-up film focusing on his later experiences. What I got instead was a thinly veiled, ultimately empty tribute, propped up by a strong performance from Dwayne Johnson.

The Smashing Machine hits theaters on October 3.

The Smashing Machine ⭐ (3 of 5)

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2025-09-23 18:03