Recensioni degli utenti

6.2/10 (Kinda Sorta Recommend)

I'm not going to tell you flat out to avoid this film, but I will say you should approach it cautiously. While transforming Dwayne Johnson into another man so much so he's unrecognizable is remarkable, that's not the only thing about the movie you should be concerned with.

If you're like me and have no idea who Mark Kerr is, what his life was like, or what he achieved, then I would say this movie still doesn't answer those questions, fully. I want to know who is. Where did he come from? Why is his relationship with his girlfriend so tumultuous? How did he get into MMA? How did he provide or become the transition for UFC? When and why did his addictions start? I realize this isn't a documentary, but the film could've easily provided a little info for newcomers to help understand what they were getting into while also maintaining the current story. Lastly, the pacing was off for me. The film felt long because I felt lost the entire time and wasn't sure where in the story we necessarily were.

As for what makes this film enjoyable, it's how the action is caught. Bringing you into the arguments and fights. Not shying away from the difficult aspects that exist in the life of the film. The acting by Dwayne Johnson is palpable. This character doesn't feel like a copy/paste of the roles he's had over the last twenty years. It has genuine emotion and feelings. While I don't consistently feel happy, sad, or angry, there was enough emotion to still feel for whatever was happening.

Overall, take some grace with this one. I personally don't see myself watching this one again anytime soon as it didn't elicit anything personal inside of me. Lots of reviews are giving it a 7+ so take that as you will. It's not a trash movie. It just doesn't hit the spot like a biopic and "The Iron Claw" should and did.

That's it for now. Thanks for taking time to read my review. Happy watching and enjoy the show!

The Smashing Machine is one of the many fighter biopics to have come out in the last years. We're getting used to the scheme: the hero needs to fight in and out of the ring, to keep his reputation, family, and health together. The Smashing Machine is not a groundbreaking story, but if A24 and Benny Safdie work on it, you better pay attention.

The Smashing Machine feels fresh without trying too hard. The movie flows naturally, the direction and photography are organic to every scene. The pace is immersive just like in Good Time and Uncut Gems. Mike Kerr's story is simply well told, it's credible, it's relatable.

The score of the movie deserves a few words. The choice of using jazz during the MMA fights is an unexpected match. Its unpredictable twists and sudden percussions perfectly reflect the art of MMA while giving it more grace than we are used to seeing it depicted with.

But the cake goes to the incredible performance of Dwayne Johnson, who disappears behind his character. Apart from the physical modifications required for the role, he manages to be touching and even moving. He is credible, he feels vulnerable. A masterful work. The relationship scenes with the girlfriend (Emily Blunt) are some of the most credible and nerve wracking couple disagreements seen on the big screen.

The Smashing Machine might not be a story of particular interest for many, but when a movie is so tastefully and masterfully executed, we can only be grateful to witness it.

• Rating: 7/10
• Watched on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 (first watch)
• Format: regular theatre

I really enjoyed how raw and authentic this movie feels, so much so that at times it feels more like a documentary than a film. The cinematography is framed to capture every moment, especially the fight sequences, in a way that makes you feel as if you're right there in the arena, weaving through the crowd to get a glimpse of the action.

This is easily Dwayne Johnson's best acting performance. Nothing more needs to be said. Emily Blunt and Johnson also share great chemistry, which makes their portrayal of a fighting and complicated couple feel believable. Casting the two of them together was a brilliant choice.

That said, the story itself felt like it was missing something. Even though it's based on a true story, which naturally limits how much can be changed or dramatized, it didn't quite work as a fully fleshed-out narrative. It almost felt like the film was less about telling a story and more about recognizing Mike Kerr and his influence, which is admirable but didn't fully land as a movie. That's why it felt like there was lots of filler sequences that had nothing happening in them that would push the plot somewhere or benefit the plot somehow.

On the other hand, the jazzy, drum-heavy soundtrack was a fantastic choice. It reminded me of Spencer (2021) in the way it mirrored and enhanced the protagonist's emotions, calm yet angry, distracted yet driven, slow yet fast-paced.

The Smashing Machine is a powerful and emotionally gripping sports drama that goes far beyond the world of fighting. The film doesn't just showcase the brutality of combat sports-it dives deep into the struggles, sacrifices, and humanity behind them.

One of the standout elements is the acting, especially by Dwayne Johnson. He delivers one of his most mature and layered performances to date. Johnson portrays the complexity of a fighter torn between personal demons and professional battles with both strength and vulnerability. His performance adds real heart to the story, making the audience feel every triumph and every setback.

The storytelling is raw yet inspiring, with strong direction and a grounded script that highlights not just the physical toll of the sport but also the emotional and psychological weight carried by athletes.

Overall, The Smashing Machine is more than just a sports film-it's an intense character study filled with grit, heart, and unforgettable performances. Highly recommended, especially if you appreciate powerful acting and stories about resilience.

OK, I just got back from seeing it. Overall, I think it's alright

The movie definitely has some upsides. The most obvious is that The Rock gives a solid performance. The best-acted scene is the one where he consoles his suicidal partner in the bathroom of their home. Emily Blunt never looked sexier; she reminded me a bit of Marissa Tomei here. The fight scenes, which occur mostly in Japan, are well-done. The in-ring action looks real; the setting and props look visually aesthetic and authentic. An MMA fan would likely devour those parts. Additionally - I like the closing scene, involving the real-life Mark Kerr.

But many problems remain ... the most obvious flaw, which lingers from start to end, is the movie's presentation doesn't fit. The color and filter give the sense that the movie takes place in the 1960s or 1970s. In truth, the events of the movie occur from 1997 - 2000. I must say: this movie does not look like the late 1990s at all

The movie's pacing is quite slow. The first hour feels closer to 2 hours. The movie doesn't include a rising action and climax like a regular story. Rather, the movie leans more into a straight historical telling. An accurate description is that the movie feels kinda like an academic piece. I think a bunch of viewers might find themselves yawning during the movie

There is a lot of mundane content. We watch his wife when she enjoys an amusement park ride; we watch The Rock buy a gift in a Japanese store; we watch The Rock make a smoothie in his kitchen; we watch The Rock look at a sunset through an airplane window; we watch The Rock trim a cactus plant and clear his pool of leaves etc. Kerr also doesn't have a charming or interesting personality to liven these scenes ... the harsh impression is that Kerr probably didn't have a story worth telling on the big screen

The Rock and Emily Blunt, again, exhibit good acting. But the domestic bickering scenes get so repetitive, as some critics have noted. Some areas of the film could have been covered more, such as Kerr's friendship with his trainer, his drug addiction, and his rehab recovery efforts.

6.5/10.

While this is undoubtedly the best we've seen dwayne johnson, that's not necessarily saying all that much. If an NBA player goes from 2 points a game to 15, that's an impressive improvement but that doesn't mean he's an MVP. And with all the talk of dwayne johnson's performance, it's a little ironic that emily blunt and ryan bader acted circles around him every scene there were in.

Overall this was a frustratingly well stylized movie that would be otherwise aggressively mediocre.

The Smashing Machine has some pretty strong competition in the fighting movie genre. With the likes of Raging Bull, Warrior, and Million Dollar Baby, it's hard not to compare.

It's difficult to fault the performances in the film. Johnson gives one of his strongest performances to date (which isn't saying much). He's very convincing in his portrayal of what is essentially a condescending man-child. Blunt is equally convincing. Their dynamic is, in my opinion, the highest and strongest element of the film.

As expected with Safdie films, the soundtrack is unique. I found the upbeat jazz/drums and almost trance-like psychedelic sound to work really well together.

It's also hard to fault Safdie's direction here. I love how his camerawork feels so close to the subject and constantly moving. It creates a real sense of intimacy.

Where the film struggles is in maintaining a balance between the emotional side and the fighting, which is often the most difficult aspect of these kinds of movies. A decision needs to be made on whether it's going to take a Raging Bull approach, where the emotional elements take precedence over the fighting (which you rarely see), or a Creed-style focus where the fighting takes center stage.

I can't help but think of Warrior, which managed to perfect both simultaneously. The Smashing Machine doesn't quite get that balance right. The climax of the movie leans too heavily on the fighting, which is ironically the film's weakest element. A more emotional and lingering conclusion, in my opinion, would have been more effective.

However, the film is definitely an enjoyable watch, with some outstanding performances and direction.

Expect a sad, bad edited, and strange movie. It is not about fighting, but about the relationship between Mark and his girlfriend, and between Mark and his addiction to opioids. There is absolutely no happy moment in this movie. No build up towards an epic moment. It was very flat. On the other hand, acting was great.

This movie was so slow. I struggled to get into it. Half the fights were cut out, not sure why. You can try to see what the movie was trying to do, but execution was horrible. I don't see why the Rock playing a fighter is considered a huge acting lift.

Save your money and wait for streaming to be disappointed.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has done a lot in his career-action blockbusters, comedies, even family films-but nothing prepared me for the raw, unfiltered power of The Smashing Machine. For me, this movie isn't just about Mark Kerr's story. It's about Johnson finally proving himself as one of the great actors of his generation. Hence, my personal title: Redemption of the Rock!

From the very first frame, Benny Safdie's direction pulls you into a world of blood, sweat, and broken dreams. The fight sequences are brutal yet beautiful, shot on grainy 16mm film that makes you feel like you're inside the cage. But the real fight here isn't against an opponent-it's Kerr battling himself, his addictions, and the weight of expectations.

Johnson completely disappears into the role. The prosthetics, the physicality, the mannerisms-he is unrecognizable. More importantly, he lets go of the Hollywood superhero image and embraces vulnerability. There are moments where you can see the pain in his eyes, the quiet collapse of a man who seems unstoppable in the ring but fragile in his own home. This is acting on a whole new level.

Emily Blunt also deserves massive credit. As Dawn Staples, she balances compassion with exhaustion, embodying the emotional toll of living with someone who can destroy himself as quickly as he destroys opponents. Their chemistry is heartbreaking, messy, and utterly real.

The audience at Venice gave the film a 15-minute standing ovation, and I can see why. It's not just a sports movie-it's a tragedy, a redemption story, and an exploration of what it means to be human when your identity is tied to strength. For me, this is the role that redeems Johnson as more than just a global superstar. It's his proof that he's an actor who can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best.

The Smashing Machine isn't just a film-it's an experience. Brutal, honest, and unforgettable. If you only know Johnson as "The Rock," prepare to have your perspective shattered. 10/10.

The movie has the frame of a good biopic but never quite lands. The Rock pushes himself more than ever, yet the story doesn't feel worthwhile.

There's a thread about two best friends in a fighting league, but it gets sidelined for a tired relationship arc we've seen countless times.

Ironic, really, for a film built around the idea of never achieving greatness.

Honestly when you think of the rock quality entertainment with top notch award winning acting chops doesn't come to mind. He plays the same character with tight under armour t shirts and speech pattern. You don't see the rock for his acting but because his movies have dumb and mindless action.

Here, he actually plays a dumb and mindless punching machine who was a real life wrestler and MMA fighter. Except the rock does something I didn't expect. He pulls it off convincingly and makes the character sympathetic. I'm old enough to remember when the real smashing machine was fighting in the pro leagues of MMA and I remember him being portrayed as a mindless, dummy with a powerful punch.

I didn't know nor did anyone the behind the scenes struggled professional athletes, particularly fighters have to deal with. In addition to business matters there's also family and personal health because the body is sacrificed to extremes. The Rock does a convincing job here and I stand corrected. I'll even say this is a career defining role for him. The story is well put together with a character you truly will care about. I'll even go as far as to say Dwayne Johnson should be considered for an academy award.

Watched at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.

A good emotional and powerful story about Mark Kerr with a strong grip on it's direction from Benny Safdie, good atmosphere, and a strong performance from Dwayne Johnson. Safdie approaches the formulaic sports biographical structure with a tender yet powerful punch. Showcasing the life of Kerr and his relationships with his wife and peers through strong and meaningful direction, editing choices, and atmospheres throughout. The way Safdie directs the boxing sequences, the conversations between characters and the emotional weight was engaging and tense. Bringing out the realism and themes out into the light.

As mentioned, the narrative does follow the formulaic approach which does end up losing some of it's steam due to it's predictable nature. Yet, Safdie's writing and direction still balances out it's ambition and purpose. All of the performances are great, it's nice to see Dwayne Johnson play a real character instead of always playing himself.

However, the biggest fault is since this isn't a Safdie Brothers movie, the movie doesn't feel as powerful as it could have been. As if certain aspects about the tone and the structure does feel somewhat incomplete and unwilling at times. I do wish some of the writing could have been better instead of being formulaic. But as a whole, the emotional and ambitious atmosphere still remains a strong punch and worthy of it's positive reception.

In The Smashing Machine, Benny Safdie strips the sports biopic of every cliché, delivering a raw and observational portrait of MMA legend Mark Kerr. Dwayne Johnson disappears into the role, leaving behind his action-hero persona to embody a man trapped by fame, painkillers, and his own expectations. The film's documentary-like approach creates a distance that is both its strength and its weakness: it avoids easy emotional cues but sometimes sacrifices narrative momentum. Kerr's descent is intimate but elusive, and secondary characters - particularly Dawn, played by Emily Blunt - feel underdeveloped. What remains is a story of aching silence and unspoken turmoil, an anti-climax with no final roar. Not for those seeking catharsis or redemption, but for those willing to sit in the quiet wreckage of a life unglamorous, human, and unfinished.

The praise Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has gotten for looking the part is warranted, but also a surface level compliment. Greatest accomplishment is a real range of emotions he gets to show in a story that doesn't get the whitewash treatment. 'The Smashing Machine' was a pet project he took on years ago and I was glad to see it turn into reality. It may not be deep, but having knowledge of the documentary it takes it's name from or early days of MMA goes a long way here.

Mark Kerr (Johnson) is a rising star in MMA circa 1997 with a good buddy and fellow fighter in Mark Coleman (Ryan Bader) by his side and loving gf Dawn (Emily Blunt). Unfortunately his addiction to pain meds in combination with suffering his first setback in the ring derails a promising start. Able to cast these demons aside, he trains with renewed purpose until Dawn launches her own brand of craziness. Will Kerr make good on his comeback or will it all end in sadness?

When I first heard 'Smashing' was coming out my #1 fear was they were going to do a magic act with Dawn. Saw the documentary years ago and it was solid. You knew part of Mark's problem was his own doing, but it was also clear Dawn wasn't a good influence. Luckily there's no attempt at sugarcoating things here. For her part Blunt does some solid acting which keeps the girlfriend role from feeling like a cliche.

As a fan of MMA seeing Bader portray Coleman was fun even if he doesn't physically resemble him and of course you get Bas Rutten playing himself in a vital role. Lots of love for the olden days of MMA via Pride or early UFC through soundbites. Fact the real Mark Kerr is shown is a nice touch too. Again I'll mention how great it is to see Johnson take on a role that gives him a chance to step outside his money / familiar zone where it's clear he's really committed to the project. He's the glue.

When the lights came up and I left the theater, I struggled to balance how I felt about 'The Smashing Machine'. Not because I didn't enjoy it, but because it has to overcome a predictable plot as I already knew Kerr's tale and it partakes in classic sports movie tropes. I even started to get antsy in my seat towards the end so it perhaps it could have been edited tighter. However I still believe there's enough here for MMA fans and Johnson turns in a killer performance. Only caveat is I don't think it's going to land quite the same way for casual audiences who might expect a different kind of film.

I'm usually a sucker for sports movies. But I didn't enjoy this one. It was hard to root for Mark Kerr. (Dwayne Johnson) He was very somber with no back story about his life. A good soundtrack can definitely add to the mood of a movie. But the songs used here all seemed loud and uninspiring . We also have seen this story many times. An athlete trying to beat a drug addiction, with a girlfriend who is dysfunctional with drug problems of her own. I was a little surprised seeing all the positive reviews. I wish I had passed on this one.

Dwayne Johnson's transformation for this movie is extraordinary, and the efforts made by him and the producers to achieve authenticity are very plain to see. His performance is magnificent; he carries the movie throughout, despite suppressing his considerable charm and charisma to embody Mark Kerr, creating a very human, very real, very vulnerable individual. As a movie, it is well worth watching simply for this performance and the raw brutality of Mark Kerr's life, as portrayed by Johnson.

Emily Blunt is also excellent, but her portrayal focusses very heavily on the conflict between her character and Kerr. The upshot of that is that her character feels both incomplete and relentlessly irritating, to the point that it becomes difficult to understand why she and Kerr are even in a relationship. This is more a function of the scripting and lack of screen time for Blunt than her performance, but it is a source of frustration and a missed opportunity.

Perhaps the most frustrating element of the movie, however, is that the story, as portrayed, feels incomplete. Kerr's journey into MMA, the formation of his drug addiction and his story after the final fight shown are unexplored. No real effort is made to explain his impact on his sport, beyond a few captions at the end. My final (and evidently inaccurate) takeaway, whether intended or not, was that Kerr's role in the development of MMA was largely peripheral, and that other characters were more central to that development.

That notwithstanding, this is a very solid film and well worth watching, even for those (like me) that are not fans of combat sports.

When The Rock becomes Mark Kerr - it's a perfect cast and an even better performance, where Dwayne Johnson literally plays his other personality. Mark Kerr smashes faces for a living, but just can't stop life from smashing him back.

A knockout doc that doesn't hit hard outside the cage - flat, sad, strange, okayish. It's not really about wrestling at all, but about the relationship between a couple. It's more like Rocky meets Requiem for a Dream, with fewer training montages and a lot more emotional bruises. It has great makeup, strong performances, and is beautifully filmed. Good for a one-time watch.

That is the point of my review.....nuff said! Journalists have noted Blunt's versatility as an actor and her roles in various genres, including drama, comedy, musicals, and action. The Guardian observed her ability to not be pigeonholed into a type of role, and wrote that she "specialises in a sort of calculated understatement", praising her "insight into what makes characters tick and her facility for accents" Commenting on her engaging screen presence, Rachel Rosenblint of Elle stated that "she has a knack for playing subtle, unspoken notes like a virtuoso...

The story of fighter Mark Kerr was one I knew nothing about before going into The Smashing Machine, but that unfamiliarity actually worked in the film's favor. The movie, written and directed by Benny Safdie, offers a grounded look into the world of a man battling inner demons, while chasing success in a brutal sport. At the center of it all is Dwayne Johnson, in a performance unlike anything I've seen from him before. Known mostly for his larger-than-life blockbuster roles, Johnson disappears into the part of Kerr, delivering what I genuinely believe is the best work of his career. Raw, vulnerable, and completely stripped of his usual persona.

What I appreciated most about The Smashing Machine was its willingness to show both the highs and lows of Kerr's life without sensationalizing either. The story hits familiar beats seen in many sports dramas, as it's about a troubled man trying to make something more of himself while maintaining a relationship with his girlfriend, but it never feels cliché. Instead, there's a quiet honesty to it, and Emily Blunt, playing Kerr's girlfriend Dawn, brings a needed level of complexity to this simple story. Her chemistry with Johnson is strong and helps bring out a more nuanced side of him we rarely get to see.

Safdie's indie sensibilities are all over this project, and they're part of what make it so distinctive. The film feels both intimate and expansive, and small in its character focus but big in emotional scope. I also admired the offbeat, almost minimal score, which sets an odd tone throughout. Despite being a film about a fighter, there's very little action here. It's more about exploring the psychological toll of living a double life; one inside the cage, and one outside it. I respected that quieter, almost laid-back approach.

That said, the storytelling structure is where the film stumbles a bit. Rather than unfolding in a tight, cohesive narrative, it often feels like a series of scenes loosely strung together across a three-year span, showcasing excellent performances without always building to something greater. The ending, while unpredictable, lacked the emotional payoff I was hoping for. Still, The Smashing Machine is a solid film, one absolutely worth seeing for Johnson's transformative performance alone. Everyone involved brings their A-game, I just wish the script had dug a little deeper into the complexity it hints at so effectively.

Pain is temporary. Pride is Forever. The Smashing Machine is based on UFC pioneer Mark Kerr. Whilst it is set in a three year period, Dwayne Johnson gives a career defining performance giving Mark a sincerity whilst grappling with addiction, love and defeat.

Overall there is a grittiness on the screen giving the uneducated on the sport a little bit of authenticity and guidance. The story can be seen as sterile and pedestrian, but take nothing away from the acting. Whilst Dwayne is up there, Emily Blunt as his broken, yet loyal girlfriend is just phenomenal. It's more than average, really good popcorn film.

Mickey O'Rourke had a go in 2008 and Orlando Bloom earlier this year in "The Cut", so now it's the turn of Dwayne Johnson to bulk up and out to deliver a biopic of UFC pioneer Mark Kerr. This is all set at a time when he can make a living for himself and girlfriend Dawn (Emily Blunt) but there are no Ferraris and swimming pools for them. For that he has to win the Grand Prix in Japan and that involves his embarking on the ultimate in fitness and endurance regimes, aided by his own chemical romances that frequently seem to render him little better than catatonic. Domestic dysfunction ensues as he has to face up to his responsibilities and settle his priorities before what he has comes crumbling down. It's a true story, but it just didn't engage me at all. Johnson comes across well as the amiable and dedicated athlete, but a film about any sport that requires a rule change to ban eye gouging was probably never really going to work for me. The fight scene are sparing, occasionally graphic, and they do convey just how brutal this mixed martial arts combat can be, but the characterisations here are just all too sterile to engage. Whilst Kerr comes across as a decent human being, Blunt's performance doesn't really make anything like enough impact as it trundles along without much from the dialogue to make me care. Tangentially, it does quite enjoyably poke some fun at the inanity and banality of sport's broadcasting punditry and I didn't hate it, but I'll probably never watch it again.

Gen-X touching base. #1: This is a Drama! The ring scenes are fast highlights. This is like being in the middle of a bad relationship for two hours. It wasn't fun for me! Loud music with soft spoken dialogue, had me moving from back of house to the very front. I see that the Rock and the very beautiful Emily Blunt put a lot of hard work into their roles, as well as the supporting actors and makeup artists. No nudity though, this should have been PG-13. This film had so much drama it was frustrating. The character isn't likeable, he appears a jerk. He is not a champion, but a loser! Why even make this movie? I stayed til the end of it, but took a very slow moving bathroom break from the drama midway. Makes you happy about your own life! In the end this was not great. It wasn't bad either. It's super Mid! 5/10, skip it!

Seeing the original documentary made the movie more enjoyable for me. The dialogue and relationship came off as natural and real. The story left me hanging at times, and like a very small story compared to other biopics. The addiction angle came and was dropped, without showing the real life relapses Mark Kerr had and I found myself rooting more for Mark Coleman's comeback in that final tournament. Overall, the fights felt real, outside the cage world felt genuine and the Rock's endearing acting of the role makes this something I'll come back to and revisit.