The Smashing Machine – Movie Review
The Smashing Machine – Movie Review
Dwayne Johnson delivers a career-defining performance, backed by Emily Blunt’s haunting intensity and a standout Springsteen moment.
Written and Directed by Benny Safdie
Produced by Benny Safdie, Dwayne Johnson, Eli Bush, Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia, David Koplan
Starring Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, Oleksandr Usyk
Release Date October 3, 2025 (Nationwide)
Running Time 123 minutes
Rating R
MMA fighter Mark Kerr reaches the peak of his career but faces personal hardships along the way.
If you looked up “breakout performance” in a pop culture dictionary, Dwayne Johnson’s turn in The Smashing Machine would be the visual aid. It’s not shocking that he delivered—what’s shocking is how far past expectations he went. This wasn’t just a good performance. It was a career pivot.
As Mark Kerr, Johnson dials it all the way down. Quiet. Controlled. Magnetic. You root for him even when he’s spiraling—addictions, compulsions, all of it. He’s flawed, but decent. And the makeup team? Unreal. They erased The Rock and gave us Mark. That’s no small feat with a face that iconic. The transformation is next-level.
Now, the film itself? It leans hard on the fight scenes and the soundtrack—sometimes too hard. Yes, it’s a fight movie. But Johnson’s performance begged for more dialogue, less grappling. We got the brutality of UFC after the first few takedowns. No need to keep hammering it. The director seemed torn between showcasing violence and showcasing his lead. Spoiler: the lead should’ve won that battle.
Emily Blunt (Dawn Staples), plays Kerr’s chaotic, manipulative girlfriend with such raw discomfort, you’ll shift in your seat. She’s chasing misery like it owes her money. It’s unsettling, and it works. Blunt does what Blunt does—she acts circles around the screen. Supporting Actress nom? She’s earned it.
Back to that soundtrack—it’s heavy-handed, veering into Rocky III/IV territory. But there’s one scene. One scene. Bruce Springsteen’s “Jungleland” hits, and everything stops. The haunting song from 1975 hits so hard here. The sadness, the darkness, and the rawness of the song add to this pivotal, unforgettable scene. It’s the emotional apex of the film, and Johnson and Blunt absolutely wreck the screen. Every lyric, every glance—pure cinematic poetry. This scene absolutely brings it; it’s an “oh sh*t” moment. That’s your Oscar clip right there.
Ryan Bader steps in as Mark Coleman—Kerr’s coach, corner man, fighter, and best friend. He’s not polished, but he’s authentic. A little rough, a little raw, but believable. He fits. Not bad for a light heavyweight champ from Bellator.
So, does Johnson deserve an Oscar nod? Yes. But here’s the catch: the film keeps stepping on its own toes. Too many montages, too much filler. Johnson needed more room to act, not just react. Will the Academy see past that? Maybe. Should they? Absolutely.
Here’s what I’m smelling: The Smashing Machine proves Johnson can lead a drama. Not just carry it—elevate it. If he stays in this lane, we’re looking at a whole new chapter for him. And it’s a damn good one.
-Jay Katz