First Reviews In For "The Smashing Machine" Starring The Rock

The first round of critics’ reviews has been published for The Smashing Machine, which sees The Rock play the lead role.

The biopic on former UFC fighter Mark Kerr premiered on September 1 at the Venice Film Festival in Italy, and has been very well received by critics and those in attendance, reportedly receiving a 15-minute standing ovation at the end that made the Hollywood star very emotional.

Following the premiere, movie review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes has given fans an indicator of what to expect ahead of the official release later in the year. At the time of writing, the film has a rating of 88% based on 17 critical reviews, indicating that the movie has been a hit with many in the movie world.

Geoffrey Macnab of The Independent UK has praised Johnson’s performance, stating that it is a career-defining role that will change the way fans see Dwayne Johnson movies moving forward:

This is the most raw and vulnerable that Johnson has ever been on screen. Once you’ve seen him this exposed, you won’t watch his typical action movie stunts in quite the same way ever again.

Owen Gleiberman of Variety echoed the sentiment, believing this to be Johnson’s best:

Johnson, shifting his whole aspect (he seems like a new actor), invests that silent, moody, hidden side of Mark with a quality of mystery. He gives an extraordinary performance.

Not everyone shares the same view on the biopic, with Kevin Maher of The Times saying the following:

The awards season equivalent of a “fugazi” diamond. It looks like an Oscar contender, it sparkles like an Oscar contender, but on closer inspection it’s entirely plastic and mostly worthless.

When Will Fans See The Rock In The Smashing Machine?

The Smashing Machine is currently set for release on October 4. Produced by A24 films, a studio known for receiving high praise with its productions, the movie focuses on the life and career of Mark Kerr, who found success in the early days of the Ultimate Fighting Championship before the promotion became the worldwide sensation it is today.

Along with Johnson playing the lead role, the film also sees Emily Blunt play Kerr’s then-wife Dawn Staples, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten and Oleksandr Usyk in supporting roles.