The Rock excels in lackluster script, proves his strength

In Benny Safdie’s latest film, The Smashing Machine, the portrayal of Mark Kerr is a study in contrasts. The movie delves into the world of mixed martial arts, where physical domination in the ring clashes with a tender off-ring persona. This stark contrast in Kerr’s character seems to be the central theme of the film. The Rock, aka Dwayne Johnson, steps into the shoes of Mark Kerr, embodying the fighter’s journey to greatness, yet falling short of reaching it.

The film takes us back to a time before MMA exploded in popularity, when the sport was under fire for being barbaric and violent. Mark Kerr, known as the “Smashing Machine,” enters the arena with a towering presence and an unbeatable spirit, ready to conquer anyone who dares to challenge him. However, Kerr’s off-ring demeanor is unexpectedly gentle and almost childlike, highlighting the duality of his personality.

As we follow Kerr’s rise and fall in the world of MMA, we witness his unwavering confidence in the face of opponents. Kerr exudes a sense of invincibility, unable to even contemplate the idea of defeat. But as the story unfolds, we see Kerr’s descent into addiction, missed opportunities, and strained relationships, particularly with his wife Dawn.

The film juxtaposes Kerr’s prowess in the ring with his aversion to conflict in real life. His descriptions of dominating opponents and bending them to his will stand in stark contrast to his non-confrontational nature outside the arena. This contradiction is a recurring theme throughout the film, emphasizing Kerr’s internal struggle between dominance and vulnerability.

Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal of Kerr is a standout performance in The Smashing Machine. His depiction of Kerr’s internal battles and external triumphs adds depth to the character, elevating the film beyond its flimsy script. However, the narrative structure of the film leaves much to be desired, jumping from one life event to another without a coherent throughline.

While the film touches on themes of addiction, redemption, and the evolution of MMA as a sport, it falls short of exploring these ideas in a meaningful way. The lackluster portrayal of Kerr’s turbulent marriage and professional struggles feels disjointed and fails to provide any real insight into the character or the sport itself.

Despite Johnson’s compelling performance, The Smashing Machine ultimately falls short of its potential. The film tries to navigate the complexities of Kerr’s life and career but gets lost in a series of disjointed events that fail to coalesce into a compelling narrative. While the film may offer a glimpse into Kerr’s world, it ultimately leaves viewers wanting more substance and depth in its storytelling.