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1h ago

Early Reviews Size Up The Smashing Machine, With Johnson’s Transformation Earning Awards Buzz

The A24 drama reaches theaters Oct. 3 after a rapturous Venice premiere, with a quieter critical verdict.

Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr in “Smashing Machine.”
Director Benny Safdie and Dwayne Johnson on set for the filming of “Smashing Machine.”
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Overview

  • Benny Safdie’s solo-directed biopic adapts John Hyams’s 2002 documentary to follow MMA pioneer Mark Kerr during the late 1990s.
  • Critics say Dwayne Johnson disappears into Kerr with Kazu Hiro’s prosthetics, and several outlets flag the performance as awards-caliber, with Emily Blunt drawing notice as Dawn Staples.
  • Many reviews fault the screenplay’s meandering structure and restrained tone, noting a low-key, cinema verité style over conventional sports-movie drama.
  • Authenticity is foregrounded through real fighters in key roles, including Ryan Bader as Mark Coleman and an appearance by Bas Rutten.
  • After a lengthy standing ovation at Venice and festival buzz, the film opens Oct. 3 in theaters with attention focused on Johnson’s career-redefining turn.