Original title: ‘The Smashing Machine’ Review: Dwayne Johnson Delivers the Blows as a Tormented Fighter in Benny Safdie’s Gritty and Downbeat MMA Flick
Sticks, stones, body blows and multiple knees to the head may break his bones, but names are what do real damage to pioneering UFC fighter Mark Kerr, a beast of a man who could crush opponents in the ring and fall apart as soon as he stepped outside it. In Benny Safdie’s compellingly gritty and offbeat biopic, The Smashing Machine, Kerr wavers between hot and cold, passive and aggressive, chilled-out on the couch and pulverizing a door in his living room, showcasing a fragility that’s way bigger than his ballooning biceps. Played by Dwayne Johnson in the wrestler-turned-actor’s most absorbing turn yet, the mixed martial arts champ anchors a rise-and-fall fight flick that takes many cues from the genre but never delivers a Rocky-style knockout — nor does it even try to. The Smashing Machine The Bottom Line A well-performed and punishing fight flick, both in and out of the ring. Venue: Venice Film Festival (Competition) Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten Director,