"Presenting Hollywood's biggest star in a new light is no easy feat, but that is where A24's latest film The Smashing Machine shines. Dwayne Johnson, known around the world as simply "The Rock" from his days as an active WWE superstar, delivered a grounded performance that was a departure from the high octane blockbusters that have made him the highest paid actor in the world. Johnson portrays MMA pioneer Mark Kerr, a former collegiate wrestler turned mixed martial artist who found fame in Japan's PRIDE organization in the late 90's and early 2000's."
"While there is a decent amount of MMA to be seen, the film largely centers on the real life struggles of Kerr outside the ring. It is here where Johnson flexes his dramatic acting chops as opposed to saying the quips he is often delivering in his more mainstream projects. The already muscled Johnson underwent a physical transformation for a physique that is an accurate photo match to Kerr's from that era, but it is his commitment to nailing the mannerisms of the film's namesake that provide demonstrate Johnson's commitment to the nuances of the role."
The Smashing Machine stars Dwayne Johnson as MMA pioneer Mark Kerr. Kerr's career is traced from a 12-0 start and UFC 14 and UFC 15 tournament victories through his PRIDE tenure, including the 1999 loss to Igor Vovchanchyn and the 2000 heavyweight Grand Prix split fights. The narrative emphasizes Kerr's struggles outside the ring rather than fight spectacle. Johnson underwent a physical transformation to match Kerr's era physique and focused on mannerisms to capture the role. The performance is grounded and restrained compared to blockbuster quips, highlighting Kerr's personal challenges and the emotional toll of his career.
Read at Cageside Press
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