Can Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Pull Off a Serious Pivot with 'The Smashing Machine'?
It's inevitable: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has been chasing new heights. From roughly 2015 through the early 2020s, Johnson dominated the global film scene, becoming the most-watched actor in history. But as the biggest stars often do, they’re driven by a hunger for recognition—either by pivoting to prestige projects or by recalibrating their strategy after years of box office flops. Johnson’s case is a fascinating blend of both: he was so successful in the late 2010s that he could flex his box office muscle in high-profile franchises like Fast & Furious (where he starred in the four highest-grossing installments) and Jumanji, a reboot he helped revive. His presence even turned some one-off movies into events, like Rampage and San Andreas, while his brand expanded into comedy-driven adventures like Central Intelligence and Moana. Even his occasional disappointments, like Skyscraper and Baywatch, drew more attention than they deserved, thanks to his star power. (Without The Rock, Skyscraper doesn’t even play theaters.)
But over the past few years, Johnson’s movies have started to shift. Titles like Black Adam and Jungle Cruise did well in box office numbers while reinforcing his reputation as a content-churning star with little quality control. Black Adam’s attempt to dominate DC Comics, despite its own struggles, reshaped the industry’s power dynamics. The movie’s failure to deliver a classic superhero epic left a lasting mark, proving that even a blockbuster can become a cautionary tale.
Then came The Smashing Machine, which is here to challenge the narrative that The Rock is just hustling through global brand partnerships. While it shares some messaging with Johnson’s earlier work, like his signature Cinema du Crap style, it takes it further: Dwayne Johnson plays Mark Kerr, a late ’90s mixed martial artist who became a cultural icon in the rise of MMA. Directed by Benny Safdie, a filmmaking duo known for their sharp, unflinching approach to character-driven stories (they previously ruined Adam Sandler’s Uncut Gems and Robert Pattinson’s Good Time), The Smashing Machine is a direct reflection of Kerr’s internal struggle. Johnson’s performance, though, is what really sets it apart. He’s not just playing a physical powerhouse—he’s embodying a man who’s constantly battling self-doubt, fear, and the pressure to live up to a legacy.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its portrayal of Mark Kerr’s humanity. Unlike the exaggerated heroism of traditional action movies, Kerr is a flawed figure who’s torn between his desire to prove himself and the reality of his circumstances. His fights aren’t just about winning; they’re about survival, and his interactions with his wife Dawn (Emily Blunt) reveal a dynamic of mutual frustration and quiet resilience. When Mark finally wins, it’s not with a dramatic eruption of rage—it’s with a quiet, firm resolve that underscores his belief in the rules, even when they don’t favor him. This nuanced portrayal feels like a break from the typical superhero tropes, offering a more grounded look at what it means to be a champion.
Critics will argue that The Smashing Machine is too focused on Johnson’s physicality and lacks the depth of its predecessors. Others may see it as a cleverly crafted branding stunt, leveraging Johnson’s fame to push a message of perseverance. But the film’s biggest flaw is its lack of insight into Mark Kerr beyond his relationship with the persona he embodies. The urgency of past Safdie films, which built tension around the stakes of their characters, is diluted here, leaving the story feeling hollow. Without these layers, the film becomes a series of visual gags that fail to connect emotionally. It’s like watching a movie that’s trying to be meaningful but ends up just being a spectacle.
Despite this, Johnson’s performance is undeniable. He brings a rare balance of humor and gravitas to the role, making Kerr feel like a real person rather than a caricature. His ability to shift between comedic timing and heartfelt moments makes the film feel like a natural extension of his career, not a forced pivot. Yet, there’s a subtle irony in the way the movie treats its own subject matter: it’s almost as if it’s trying to be serious but ends up being too silly. In a world where actors like Johnson are increasingly seen as brands, The Smashing Machine raises a critical question: Can a star who’s already built a legacy of spectacle still find meaning in a story that’s meant to be entertaining?
So, is The Smashing Machine a masterstroke or a missed opportunity? The answer depends on what you value most: entertainment, artistry, or the illusion of authenticity. As fans of Johnson’s work know, he’s always been a storyteller, and this film is a testament to that. But will it stand the test of time, or will it be remembered as another flashy attempt to capitalize on a star’s fame? The truth is, we’ll have to wait and see. What’s clear is that Johnson has taken a bold step, and whether it’s a success or a misstep, it’s a conversation worth having.
