The Smashing Machine Review: Fantastic drama, weak plot
Like many others, I thought that Benny Safdie's The Smashing Machine sounded like the easier win between this and Marty Supreme. Unfortunately, trying to be safer and broader-appealing didn't quite work in the film's favor, which was a major box-office bomb—undeservedly so, I might add. While it didn't achieve the success or acclaim of Marty Supreme, I was really hoping that, after watching this film post-Marty Supreme, I'd enjoy it more because I love a good underdog story. I have an unruly number of cinema hot takes. Besides, I just felt rather bad for Benny's predicament compared to his brother's. So, did fortune favor the underdog, and did I enjoy this one more than Marty Supreme? That's what I, Brighton Nelson of The Reel Ranker, will be answering in today's review. Thanks for joining me today, and I hope you enjoy this article!
As usual, I'll cover the film's negatives before moving into the positives. The first aspect the film struggles with is its lack of originality across most of its elements. It's a UFC film, but the fights aren't particularly intriguing compared to many in the same vein, and the story surrounding them isn't particularly unique. However, the film does kind of switch up the formula by being about a guy who loses after winning a ton. Contrastingly, I feel most sports films are about underdog up-and-comers or the aged accepting a newcomer who's become better than them. Nevertheless, the main narrative itself isn't all that interesting, even if it does have a different template than other sports films.
I also felt the film's conclusion was rather rushed and felt a tad unsatisfying, a flaw shared with his brother's Marty Supreme. While it wraps up the themes, it just felt like the audience deserved a better closure after the whole journey. However, I did enjoy the post-film blurbs… though, as usual, those elements are often equally or more fascinating than the film itself, and I felt the film should have included more of that in its narrative.
The last gaping flaw I have to mention is this film's scattershot nature. There were a few times when the film felt it cut from scene to scene far too abruptly, and there was just a lack of cohesion at times that was a tad distracting. It always weighs on me to criticize people's passion projects like this, but this is what I've signed up for as a critic!
However, even with the weak plot and rather mediocre fight sequences, this film is truly elevated by its transformative performances, sharp script, notable themes, and even its award-winning makeup. The best part of this film, without question, is Dwayne Johnson's performance. I'd call him The Rock, but I feel as if that moniker carries a jungle-coated, self-parodying connotation. This performance is neither his old-school macho action nor his recent quippy, smoldering fare. He truly transforms in the role, and I need to see him like this more often, because he's truly a great performer.
And, truly adding to that wonderfully is the makeup and hairstyling. I could have very easily been convinced that this wasn't The Rock because he looks so different, and it's truly phenomenal what the artist did here. It's not trying to completely change his look, but to accentuate and highlight features in a transformative way. His hair also looks completely believable, and Disney really should have taken notes or hired the artists here… The stupidity of the terrible wig in the live-action Moana that we are getting is overwhelming.
Playing his wife is Emily Blunt, who also has a distinct look here, though she still looks like herself. But her and Dwayne's performance and chemistry together are fantastically executed, and it absolutely feels like a real relationship. This film's success hinges on how much you care about the evolving, dynamic, and repentant lead, and it does so really well without too much melodrama. The Rock still manages to be a character you root for amidst his flaws, which can be very difficult in films like this. Recently, I watched the original I Can Only Imagine, and it completely crumbled for me because only flaws shone through, not the character's strengths, and it was far too melodramatic in its execution. This film is a fantastic character study from start to finish, through and through—I have no complaints!
Without melodrama but with realistic—yet not too subdued—emotions, the film feels very emotional and has some very "adult" moments in the best way. There's one scene between the two characters near the conclusion of the film that is heartbreaking as Blunt's character rushes into another room, which was the best sequence of the film. If you know, you know.
The Reel Ranker Verdict
Reel or Unreel? - Reel
The Reel Ranker Score: 65%
Letter Score: B
Star Ranking: 3.5 out of 5
While the story, action, and editing of The Smashing Machine are standard, the transformative, magnificent performance by Dwayne The Rock Johnson and his relationship with Emily Blunt's character are emotional hooks that make this film intriguing and its greatest strength. If you are looking for a super unique story or bloody action, check out another film. But if you are interested in mature drama and interesting characters, this film is definitely worth checking out.
Interested in checking out my reviews for the other 98th Academy Awards season films? Check them out below!
Brighton Nelson
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