A Solid, If Not Spectacular, Takedown: The Smashing Machine (2025)

A Solid, If Not Spectacular, Takedown: The Smashing Machine

“The Smashing Machine” arrives with a certain weight of expectation, promising a gritty, unflinching look at the life and career of mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr. While it certainly delivers on the “gritty” aspect, and offers a compelling central performance, the film ultimately lands with a somewhat uneven thud, earning it a respectable but not entirely groundbreaking 6 out of 10.

At its core, “The Smashing Machine” is a character study, and it’s here that the film finds its strongest footing. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is undeniably charismatic, but he also proves he can dig deeper here, portraying Kerr not just as a hulking powerhouse, but as a man wrestling with internal demons. His performance is a highlight, capturing the physical toll of the sport and the emotional fragility that lies beneath the brute force. You believe in his struggles, his victories, and his devastating losses. Emily Blunt, as his wife Dawn, also provides a crucial anchor, offering a grounded perspective amidst the chaos of Kerr’s life.

The film doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of professional fighting. The fight choreography is visceral and impactful, a stark reminder of the physicality involved. You feel the impact, the sweat, and the sheer exhaustion. Director Benny Safdie (co-director of “Uncut Gems”) injects his signature kinetic energy into these sequences, making them some of the most engaging parts of the film.

However, “The Smashing Machine” stumbles in its pacing and narrative structure. While the focus on Kerr’s personal struggles is understandable, the film occasionally feels uneven, jumping between intense fight scenes and periods of melodrama that don’t always land with the emotional resonance they’re striving for. The narrative arc, while present, sometimes feels a little too predictable, and the film could have benefited from a tighter edit to maintain momentum throughout its runtime.

Furthermore, while the film attempts to explore the darker aspects of the fight world, including addiction and the pressures of fame, these themes occasionally feel underdeveloped. They are present, certainly, but the exploration often feels surface-level, preventing the film from achieving the truly profound impact it seems to aim for. The supporting characters, while adequately played, often feel like archetypes rather than fully fleshed-out individuals, serving more as plot devices than integral parts of Kerr’s journey.

Ultimately, “The Smashing Machine” is a film that is more than the sum of its parts, largely thanks to Johnson’s committed performance and the raw intensity of the fight sequences. It’s a solid effort that offers a glimpse into the life of a controversial figure in a demanding sport. However, its narrative shortcomings and occasional lack of depth prevent it from being a knockout. It’s a film worth watching for fans of the genre or for those interested in Johnson’s evolving acting chops, but it’s unlikely to smash its way into the annals of cinematic greatness. A solid 6/10 – a respectable showing, but with room for improvement.

(Available now to rent or buy)

I Give This Movie 6 Out of 10 Stars