Tuesday, October 07, 2025
The Smashing Machine
Based on the true story of Mark Kerr, this movie follows the career of an ultimate fighter during the early days of the UFC. Dwayne Johnson plays Mark Kerr as he begins his successful career competing in Brazil & Japan. After one traumatic match, Mark’s life is severely affected. He develops an addiction, enters rehab, & then mounts a comeback. During his rough period, his relationship with his girlfriend Dawn (Emily Blunt) hits a rocky patch. His good friend & fellow fighter, Mark Coleman (Ryan Bader), is there to support him through his tough times. Kerr’s coach, Bas Rutten (himself), assists in his comeback. Johnson & Blunt are phenomenal in their transformations to the characters they portray. The real Mark Kerr portrays himself at the film’s end. Photos & a summary about the featured characters appears at end of the film. Ultimate fighting is a brutal sport.
Alien gives it 2½ “competitiveness” stars out of 4.
