Movies / Reviews
Reviews For 'The Smashing Machine': Really Good Or Just Disappointing?
‘The Smashing Machine’ presents Dwayne Johnson as wrestler Mark Kerr in a compelling sports drama.
Director Benny Safdie returns after his Netflix-hit Uncut Gems. In this true-to-life sports drama, Dwayne Johnson plays the lead role of wrestler Mark Kerr. The movie is titled The Smashing Machine. After receiving a warm initial response, many more reviews are now surfacing.
The film tells the story of Mark Kerr, a mixed martial arts fighter who was at the peak of his game in the nineties. While achieving success in the ring, he struggles behind the scenes with addiction, relationships, and his mental health. Currently, on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a Tomatometer score of 77 percent.
Maddy Mussen of the London Evening Standard believes The Smashing Machine has the potential to redefine Dwayne Johnson's acting career. She describes the film as "solid", but adds: "Dwayne Johnson is fantastic." According to her, this role could even earn him an Oscar nomination.
Bill Goodykoontz of Arizona Republic agrees. He writes that Johnson is "better than the film, and the film is not bad either." Goodykoontz claims the lead actor is the main reason why the movie impresses.
Cary Darling of the Houston Chronicle notes that Safdie does not radically innovate the sports genre. However, he believes the film is worth watching thanks to the powerful performances. He points out that "the story is predictable, but is well-supported by the leads."
Liz Shannon Miller of Consequence especially highlights the vulnerability of Johnson’s portrayal of Mark Kerr. She believes the actor leaves a restrained yet powerful impression without excess: "Minimal melodrama, maximum impact."
Matt Singer of ScreenCrush is less positive. He labels the film a technical achievement but finds that the story fails to engage: "A technical feat that never truly becomes a gripping sports story."
The Smashing Machine will hit theaters in the U.S. tomorrow, and will later be released worldwide.
The film tells the story of Mark Kerr, a mixed martial arts fighter who was at the peak of his game in the nineties. While achieving success in the ring, he struggles behind the scenes with addiction, relationships, and his mental health. Currently, on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a Tomatometer score of 77 percent.
Johnson Above All
Maddy Mussen of the London Evening Standard believes The Smashing Machine has the potential to redefine Dwayne Johnson's acting career. She describes the film as "solid", but adds: "Dwayne Johnson is fantastic." According to her, this role could even earn him an Oscar nomination.
Bill Goodykoontz of Arizona Republic agrees. He writes that Johnson is "better than the film, and the film is not bad either." Goodykoontz claims the lead actor is the main reason why the movie impresses.
Powerful Lead Role
Cary Darling of the Houston Chronicle notes that Safdie does not radically innovate the sports genre. However, he believes the film is worth watching thanks to the powerful performances. He points out that "the story is predictable, but is well-supported by the leads."
Liz Shannon Miller of Consequence especially highlights the vulnerability of Johnson’s portrayal of Mark Kerr. She believes the actor leaves a restrained yet powerful impression without excess: "Minimal melodrama, maximum impact."
Not For Everyone
Matt Singer of ScreenCrush is less positive. He labels the film a technical achievement but finds that the story fails to engage: "A technical feat that never truly becomes a gripping sports story."
The Smashing Machine will hit theaters in the U.S. tomorrow, and will later be released worldwide.
