'The Smashing Machine' Review: Dwayne Johnson, Benny Safdie Make an Elite MMA Movie

'The Smashing Machine' review: Dwayne Johnson, Benny Safdie make an elite MMA movie

With performances from Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, and incredible storytelling, "The Smashing Machine" is the undisputed champion of MMA films.

The Smashing Machine Review: Dwayne Johnson's Serious A24 Movie Feels Half-Baked [TIFF 2025]

The makeup effects are the standout of "The Smashing Machine," which otherwise underwhelms with a repetitive script.

The Smashing Machine Review: Dwayne Johnson's A24 Sports Movie Is A Total Bust

The hype surrounding The Smashing Machine has been astronomical and for good reason. It’s Benny Safdie’s first solo directorial effort after working with his brother Josh on acclaimed hits like Good Time and Uncut Gems. Rumors of a massive budget make it possibly one of the most expensive films A24 has ever made as it makes a push for bigger films in general. And it’s Dwayne Johnson’s big Oscar vehicle, the box office giant’s first stab at a tru…