Skip to main content

The Smashing Machine (2025)


The Smashing Machine (2025) is written and directed by Benny Safdie, better known for his work in front of the camera in films like Good Time and Oppenheimer. Safdie’s eye for gritty realism translates into this film, but the story suffers somewhat from being too loyal to its source material. The authenticity makes it a strong character study but keeps it from being as entertaining as other films in its genre.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson delivers one of the most surprising performances of his career. Known for action-heavy roles in films like Fast Five and Black Adam, here he shows a range of emotions rarely seen in his past work. This is clearly his Oscar push, and it is likely he will receive at least a nomination for his work.

Also from Oppenheimer, Emily Blunt, plays the girlfriend character with frequent emotional swings. The volatility works for the role her performance brings depth and unpredictability to the film. I mentioned to my wife that everyone knows a girl like her.

Ryan Bader, the real-life MMA fighter, has a noteworthy supporting role as Mark Coleman. He plays it with conviction and precision, adding authenticity to the fight sequences and grounding the film’s portrayal of the sport.

Overall, the film features a strong cast and showcases impressive acting chops across the board. However, its strict adherence to the true story may alienate viewers who aren’t already interested in the source material. Result: B+

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Supergirl (2026)

Supergirl is directed by Craig Gillespie , known for I, Tonya and Cruella , and written by Ana Nogueira . The film attempts to launch a new corner of the DC universe while simultaneously giving Supergirl her own coming of age journey. While the movie does succeed in giving its protagonist a genuine character arc and lays some groundwork for future stories, the script often struggles with dialogue and plot points. Several lines land awkwardly, pulling scenes out of their emotional moments rather than enhancing them. In many cases, the performances feel less at fault than the direction, as stronger takes or rewrites could have improved several key exchanges. Milly Alcock , known for House of the Dragon , carries the film and easily emerges as its greatest strength. She brings vulnerability, confidence, and determination to Supergirl, making the character feel relatable even when the material around her falters. Alcock does everything she can with the dialogue she is given, and her per...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Drama (2026)

The Drama is directed by Kristoffer Borgli  known for Dream Scenario and Sick of Myself. T he film feels determined to present itself as something profound and artistic. Borgli leans heavily into style and ambiguity, but the result is a movie that often feels more interested in appearing meaningful than actually being meaningful. The pacing is hurt by constant quick cuts between scenes, rarely allowing a moment to breathe or an emotion to settle. Just as a scene starts to build momentum, the film jumps somewhere else, making it difficult for any dramatic moment to land with the weight it deserves. Zendaya , known for Dune and Challengers , plays her role with an extremely restrained approach. Unfortunately, the performance often feels one-note, with much of her emotional range limited to variations of frustration and disappointment. Whether this was a directorial choice or an acting one, it creates a distance between the character and the audience that the film never overcomes....
Post a Comment
Read more

Jackass: Best and Last (2026)

Jackass: Best and Last is directed by Jeff Tremaine , who has guided the franchise since the beginning, and stars Johnny Knoxville alongside many of the familiar faces that helped make Jackass such a cultural phenomenon. Marketed as both a farewell and a celebration, the film splits its focus between archival footage and newly filmed material. While the nostalgic moments remind audiences why the series became so popular, the heavy reliance on older footage makes the movie feel less like a proper sequel and more like a retrospective with a few new additions. Johnny Knoxville , known for Jackass and Bad Grandpa , remains the face of the franchise and still brings his usual enthusiasm and willingness to suffer for entertainment. Even as age has clearly slowed some of the more dangerous stunts, Knoxville continues to provide the energy and personality that holds the film together. His presence helps maintain the spirit of the earlier entries, even when the material itself feels less a...
Post a Comment
Read more