The Smashing Machine Movie Review episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 29, 2025 · 13 MIN

The Smashing Machine Movie Review

from Flicks and Friends with Zach Pope · host Zach Pope Reviews

The Smashing Machine Movie Review From writer-director Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems) comes The Smashing Machine, the story of MMA legend Mark Kerr (played by Dwayne Johnson). Alongside Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples, the film showcases Johnson in the most transformative, career-defining role of his career. His powerhouse performance, paired with Safdie’s raw, intimate direction, makes the movie feel deeply personal and at times unforgettable.But while Johnson and Safdie deliver, the script doesn’t. Generic and melodramatic in parts, it often reduces Kerr’s struggles to surface-level drama and sidelines Emily Blunt’s character. Without Johnson’s commanding performance and Safdie’s unique vision, The Smashing Machine wouldn’t land nearly as hard.In this review, I dive into what works brilliantly, where the story falters, and why this movie is both powerful and frustrating at the same time.Don’t forget to LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE for more reviews, and let me know in the comments: Do you think Dwayne Johnson just gave the best performance of his career?

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The Smashing Machine Movie Review

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