Dwayne Johnson getting emotional without a cheesy quip? I might need a minute to process that.
Dwayne Johnson shows his cracks in his armor with some real emotional stakes about a man getting repeatedly slammed into the mat.
Plot Summary of The Smashing Machine (Spoiler-Free)
The Smashing Machine tells the story of Mark Kerr, one of the earliest stars of UFC and MMA, and the film follows him as he navigates the brutal world of professional fighting while dealing with personal challenges like addiction, complicated relationships, and the pressure of being the best.
It’s a story about fighting both in the ring and in life, showing the physical and emotional toll of chasing dominance.
The Smashing Machine Review: Is It Worth Watching?
I have to admit, Dwayne Johnson is pretty incredible here in a way I didn’t think I’d ever see, where he’s vulnerable, emotionally raw, and even occasionally beaten down as he steps far outside the persona we’ve all come to know.
You still get the muscle show, as it’s impossible not to, but for the first time, it serves a story rather than just ego., and the prosthetics and transformation work make him almost unrecognizable at times, which helps you buy into Mark Kerr as a real person, not just “The Rock in a different outfit.”
The film really surprised me emotionally, where Kerr’s struggle with his drive to dominate while balancing life’s chaos is surprisingly relatable, as we watch him lose, cry, and wrestle with his demons.
I actually found myself rooting for him and hoping he wouldn’t completely implode under the weight of his own ambition – who knew I’d get emotionally invested in a guy with calves the size of hams getting punched in the face repeatedly?
Emily Blunt absolutely kills it as Dawn Staples too, and she’s charming, frustrating, and sometimes toxic, making you cheer and groan at her in equal measure.
Her character reminds us that real relationships are messy, and just being attractive or fun isn’t enough, and I kept trying to figure out whether she or Mark was worse for each other, and that conflict really adds to the overall story.
Ryan Bader, playing Mark Coleman, Kerr’s friend-turned competitor, was another pleasant surprise, and he plays someone you’d actually trust in and out of the ring, which gave the story even more emotional weight beyond the punches.
The soundtrack was a letdown though fo me, where some scenes felt like the band was warming up while we watched the drama unfold, which occasionally pulls you out of the moment when it should be pulling you in, and the pacing can drag too, with some of the montages and minor conflicts lasting a little too long.
That said, the slower moments do serve a purpose, as they let the emotional moments breathe, allowing you to feel Kerr’s internal battles as much as the physical ones, and the direction from Benny Safdie keeps a gritty realism that makes the fights feel truly punishing, not just choreographed stunts.
What really makes the movie interesting however is the risk it takes, as this isn’t a guaranteed blockbuster formula – it’s an intimate, sometimes uncomfortable story about someone most audiences probably haven’t heard of.
And we get The Rock playing a man who can fail, cry, and struggle, which is a gamble, and while it doesn’t fully land every time, it’s brave, and it’s nice to see Dwayne Johnson doing something different.
The story, performances, and raw honesty of the fights make it worth watching, and I thought it was decent enough overall.
What I liked (And What I Didn’t like)
Pros
Dwayne Johnson’s Vulnerable Performance
Seeing him as a flawed, human character is very refreshing.
Realistic MMA Fights
The fight scenes feel gritty, intense, and authentic.
Emily Blunt’s Complex Role
She makes you root for and against her at the same time.
Emotional Depth
The film gives more than just action, as it’s a film that makes you care.
Unique Storyline
A rare look at early MMA and personal struggle.
Direction by Benny Safdie
Benny keeps the tension and realism pretty consistent throughout.
Cons
Soundtrack
Distracting at times and sometimes feels out of place.
Slow Pacing
Certain montages and minor conflicts drag on for a little too long.
Supporting Cast Screen Time
Some characters could have been developed more.
Uneven Tone
The film sometimes struggles to balance its emotional drama with its sports elements,.
Runtime
It could’ve been trimmed by 15–20 minutes without losing too much impact.
Emotional Repetition
Kerr’s internal struggle is powerful but revisited so often that it starts to lose some impact by the final stretch of the film.
Who Might Like The Smashing Machine
- Fans of Dwayne Johnson open to seeing him differently
- MMA and combat sports enthusiasts
- Viewers interested in emotional human stories
- Emily Blunt fans
- Anyone curious about early UFC history
Who Might Dislike The Smashing Machine
- Anyone uncomfortable with heavy emotional drama
- People sensitive to graphic fight scenes
- Viewers who dislike slower pacing in character focused films
- People expecting light, feel-good entertainment
- Anyone uninterested in MMA or combat sports history
Final Verdict: Did I Enjoy Watching The Smashing Machine?
I liked it overall, and watching Dwayne Johnson step outside his usual persona and play someone who can fail, cry, and struggle was good to see, and I would sayThe Smashing Machine is worth a watch.
The Smashing Machine Trailer
Simon Leasher
A lover of cinema for over 35 years, I have watched many films from around the world in many different genres, yet I still normally always come back to trashy slasher horror films when in doubt. More
And yes, The Godfather 2 is better than The Godfather.
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