The Rock is well-known as one of the biggest faces of blockbuster cinema, but now Dwayne Johnson has entered his Oscars buzz era in The Smashing Machine.
The former wrestler plays Mark Kerr in this biopic about the two-time UFC heavyweight champ before MMA became popular.
Set at the turn of the century, and based on the 2002 documentary of the same name, the film follows the subject and his girlfriend Dawn (Emily Blunt) through their relationship struggles and his substance abuse as a fighter.
The former Jungle Cruise co-stars are at their theatrical best during their domestic disputes, offering convincing displays of raw emotion.
Meanwhile, Benny Safdie’s documentary-style shaky cam, last viewed in the phenomenal Uncut Gems, only adds to the authenticity from behind-the-scenes spats to takedowns in the ring.
Yet, we’re never quite as enveloped in the story as Safdie’s Adam Sandler masterpiece, in a film that taps out pretty early in terms of interest. Even current heavyweight boxing champ Oleksandr Usyk’s cameo isn’t enough to stop one’s mind from wandering through this meandering picture. Beyond the initial intrigue of Kerr’s story as an MMA pioneer who overcame his drug habit, the movie suddenly ends with an unremarkable shrug.
It may be one for the UFC faithful, but the film lacks the unmissable excitement of similar movies like Warrior, The Wrestler or Iron Claw. We’d had higher hopes for The Rock’s first likely Oscar nod, but were left sadly disappointed overall.
The Smashing Machine hits UK cinemas on October 3, 2025.
