“The Smashing Machine” (2025) written & directed by Benny Safdie, starring Dwayne Johnson & Emily Blunt / Z-View

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The Smashing Machine (2025)

Director: Benny Safdie

Screenplay: Benny Safdie

Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader and Bas Rutten.

Tagline: The unforgettable true story of a UFC legend.

The Plot…

Mark Kerr was a high school state wrestling champion.  He was a NCAA Division I collegiate wrestling champion, a World Cup freestyle wrestling gold and silver medalist, and silver medalist in the Pan American Games.  Kerr was one of the first UFC fighters and a two-time UFC Heavyweight tournament champion.

This is his story.  Warts and all.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Bas Rutten, Kerr’s former coach and friend plays himself.

Dwayne Johnson is transformed into Mark Kerr.  The make-up is amazing.  Also Johnson gets to show real acting chops in his most “real” performance.

The Smashing Machine (2025) rates 4 of 5 stars.