"The Rock" delivers in "The Smashing Machine"

Opinion writer Jayden Shipley reviews Dwayne Johnson’s latest film, noting that the article reflects only the author’s perspective, not the views of the University Daily Kansan.

“The Smashing Machine” has divided audiences worldwide. Some see it as Oscar-worthy, while others consider it another disappointment in Johnson’s career.

“For me, if you don’t enjoy this performance from Johnson, then you will never like his films.”

Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr

Johnson takes on the role of Mark Kerr, an MMA fighter battling addiction and confronting personal loss. The movie mirrors the tone and structure of the documentary “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr,” even recreating several key scenes shot-for-shot.

To enhance authenticity, the film features real-life fighters such as Ryan Bader and Oleksandr Usyk. This sense of realism depends heavily on the believability of the performances—a demanding area for Johnson in previous roles.

A New Level of Performance

Historically, Johnson has faced criticism for portraying characters too similar to himself, which posed a risk in this biographical drama. However, in this film, he breaks from habit, transforming his posture, tone, and expression to convincingly embody Kerr.

Supporting Cast Debate

While Johnson’s performance dominates discussion, many moviegoers and critics have debated whether Emily Blunt’s talent was underused in her supporting role.

Author’s summary: Shipley praises Dwayne Johnson’s surprising depth in “The Smashing Machine,” highlighting its realism and emotional reach, though noting concerns about Emily Blunt’s limited screen time.

The University Daily Kansan — 2025-11-05