If I talk to you about Dwayne Johnson, you surely think of his wrestling matches, Jumanji, Fast & Furious, Black Adam, Red Notice, or The Scorpion King. What you probably don’t think about is that it’s about time he gets an Oscar, because he has worked really hard with continuous high-quality roles, like for example the one in… Yes, man, that movie that… Uh… A rock-solid Oscar. To be honest, in the months leading up to the release of The Smashing Machine, there was a lot of talk about his role […]
If I mention Dwayne Johnson, you probably think of his wrestling matches, Jumanji, Fast & Furious, Black Adam, Red Notice, or The Scorpion King. What you probably don’t think about is that it’s about time he gets an Oscar, because he has worked really hard with continuous high-quality roles, like for example the one in… Yes, that movie that… Uh…
An Oscar as hard as a rock
In all honesty, in the months leading up to the release of The Smashing Machine, there was a lot of talk about his role, and it was claimed that he would undoubtedly achieve his long-desired nomination. Then we all watched the movie and realized the collective delusion. “It would have been incredible”, says Johnson. Also, if they gave me an aircraft carrier, but that’s not going to happen.
“I realized right away that it’s something unusual to reach this point where these conversations are even considered. And it’s exciting! It would have been incredible. I wish it had happened. But it didn’t“. And it doesn’t seem like this year he will be nominated for the live-action remake of Moana and for Jumanji 3. At this point, he isn’t even going to try, right?
One thing I appreciate is that Johnson doesn’t pretend he doesn’t care at all about winning the statuette (because, deep down, that’s what everyone in Hollywood wants): “At no point did I think: ‘Bah, that doesn’t matter.’ I always thought it mattered. And that has given me a push, which is: ‘Let’s get to work’“. Will there be another opportunity? Honestly, it doesn’t look very likely.
Contact sports have fascinating stories waiting to be told. It’s no surprise that literature and cinema have many stories where boxing is the protagonist, and it shouldn’t surprise us that, in the near future, there will be great stories about MMA. Because the moment a contact sport becomes popular, stories that resonate with the public always emerge. Or that’s what Benny Safdie and Dwayne Johnson, better known as The Rock, must have thought. Because while their new movie may not have made the impact they expected, it has just arrived […]
Contact sports have fascinating stories waiting to be told. It is not surprising that literature and cinema have many stories where boxing is the protagonist and we should not be surprised that, in the near future, there will be great stories about MMA. Because the moment a contact sport becomes popular, stories that resonate with the audience always emerge.
Or that’s what Benny Safdie and Dwayne Johnson, better known as The Rock, must have thought. Because although their new movie may not have made the splash they expected, it just arrived this week on streaming and you shouldn’t miss it, because it is, without a doubt, one of the big surprises of 2025.
A pioneer of MMA
The movie is a biopic of the fighter Mark Kerr, who was a two-time UFC heavyweight champion, world champion of the Vale Tudo tournament, and competitor in PRIDE FC. Although his greatest achievements were in the mid-90s, the film begins in 1999, fighting in Japan, and in a more than questionable state due to drug use. From this point on, the film will focus on that. How a fighter who was at the top of the world tries to rehabilitate from his drug addiction caused by the intensity of the sport in a new setting, with much tougher competitors, while trying to do something even harder: maintain his relationship with his girlfriend.
Putting a great emphasis on the drama of the story, we never see Kerr at the moment of the greatest victories of his career, but we do see some of the most defining elements of it. Although we never see him fight in the UFC in the movie, his time in PRIDE would ultimately shape what MMA is today, making him a legend and a milestone in the sport. All of this is thanks to two things: the excellent work of its actors and its director.
Perhaps the most surprising thing about the movie is Johnson’s outstanding performance as Kerr. He is not only believable as an MMA fighter, but he also manages to convey emotion and vulnerability, knowing how to appear fragile when necessary, in a way that is both interesting and inspiring. This is aided by having Emily Blunt opposite him as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s real-life partner, who carries the dramatic weight of many scenes and emphasizes the more personal side of the film.
That is perhaps the most surprising thing. How incredibly human it is and feels for a movie about MMA built around a figure like The Rock. But that is also, in part, thanks to the work of its director, Benny Safdie.
A likely future cult movie
There have been many controversies and conflicts following the separation of the Safdie brothers, and in 2025 both released films separately. Josh, Marty Supreme; Benny, The Smashing Machine. And both demonstrate very different approaches. Because while there is a certain family resemblance between the two, if anything The Smashing Machine shows us, and in a way also Marty Supreme, is that the emotional factor of the Safdie films has always relied more on Benny, much more and better exploited in his film than in his brother’s.
That does not mean it has been a great success. On the contrary. Being a box office failure, making just over 20 million dollars while costing 50, and with a lukewarm critical response at best, even if it has not done poorly in international awards, with Benny Safdie nominated for the Golden Lion and winning the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival, the film has gone unnoticed by both critics and audiences.
Available on HBO Max since April 9, this is the perfect movie to reclaim. One of those movies that, with the right mindset, is not only enjoyable but also allows you to appreciate the genius behind it. Vibrant, intelligent, and full of heart, it has everything to become a cult film. Especially due to the poor treatment it has received from critics and the public.
In recent months, Prime Video has managed to capture the attention of viewers with a series of buddy movies starring WWE stars, consolidating an appeal that evokes the nostalgia of the 90s. Among them are Red One, featuring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans; State of the Union, with John Cena and Idris Elba; and the most recent, The Demolition Brothers, starring Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa. A hilarious buddy movie, The Demolition Brothers has had a successful debut, reaching number 1 in 50 countries and grossing nearly 20 million dollars in its first […]
In recent months, Prime Video has managed to capture the attention of viewers with a series of buddy movies starring WWE stars, consolidating an appeal that evokes the nostalgia of the 90s. Among them are Red One, featuring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans; State of the Union, with John Cena and Idris Elba; and the most recent, The Demolition Brothers, starring Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa.
A Hilarious Buddy Movie
The demolition brothers have had a successful debut, reaching number 1 in 50 countries and grossing nearly 20 million dollars in its first weekend, with a budget of less than 3 million. The film features a disciplined Navy SEAL instructor, James Hale (Bautista), and an anarchic police detective, Jonny Hale (Momoa), whose opposing personalities force them to collaborate in a plot involving a murder and a conspiracy.
The film promises a mix of action and comedy, with well-choreographed graphic violence that keeps the viewer’s attention. Although the fiction follows the conventional scheme of a buddy movie, its quality in execution seems to have resonated favorably with both critics and the public. This project arose from a challenge on Twitter between Bautista and Momoa and was directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, who has been praised for his work.
As the entertainment industry seeks new formulas to attract audiences, the success of this movie demonstrates that the combination of charisma, explosive action, and humor can result in massive appeal. Amazon, like others in the sector, highlights the power of WWE figures in the cinematic realm, capitalizing on their popularity to revitalize a subgenre that seems to be making a comeback.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson continues to surprise the entertainment industry with his acting versatility. Recently, director Christopher Nolan, known for his meticulous approach and reserved personality, spared no praise when referring to Johnson’s performance in the new film The Smashing Machine, where he plays MMA fighter Mark Kerr. During a screening organized by the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles, Nolan commented on Johnson’s work, highlighting that “it is an incredible performance.” Nolan, a fan of The Rock, Johnson’s portrayal has captured not only the audience’s attention but also the […]
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson continues to surprise the entertainment industry with his acting versatility. Recently, director Christopher Nolan, known for his meticulous approach and reserved personality, did not hold back praise when referring to Johnson’s performance in the new film The Smashing Machine, where he plays MMA fighter Mark Kerr. During a screening organized by the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles, Nolan commented on Johnson’s work, highlighting that “it is an incredible performance.”
Nolan, fan of The Rock
Johnson’s performance has captured not only the attention of the public but also that of critics, who have noted the depth and complexity of his role. This recognition from such an influential director as Nolan could position Johnson as one of the main contenders in next year’s awards season.
The Smashing Machine delves into the life of Mark Kerr, a fighter who has faced numerous adversities both inside and outside the ring, which adds an additional level of intensity and authenticity to Johnson’s performance. These types of dramatic roles have been a significant shift for an actor whose career has largely focused on action and comedy.
Nolan’s enthusiasm serves as a testament to the growing quality of the productions Johnson is involved in, as well as his transformation as an actor. Likewise, this recognition could open new opportunities for him in the field of dramatic cinema, an area in which he has begun to successfully establish himself.
Meanwhile, rumors suggest that Johnson is considering a number of new film projects, which could further expand his already impressive repertoire. The future looks promising for both him and The Smashing Machine, which is shaping up to be a standout project in the upcoming film season.
The iconic adventure film The Mummy, released in 1999, has recently been added to the Disney+ catalog, surprising many movie fans. Starring Brendan Fraser as Rick O’Connell, the film, directed by Stephen Sommers, blends action with touches of horror and has managed to win over audiences since its release. This film is widely regarded as one of the best successors to the Indiana Jones saga, although it has managed to forge its own identity in the genre. The Mummy remains one of the great adventure films in history From […]
The iconic adventure film The Mummy, released in 1999, has recently been added to the Disney+ catalog, surprising many movie fans. Starring Brendan Fraser as Rick O’Connell, the film, directed by Stephen Sommers, blends action with touches of horror and has managed to win over audiences since its release. This film is widely regarded as one of the best successors to the Indiana Jones saga, although it has managed to forge its own identity in the genre.
The Mummy remains one of the great adventure films in history
Since its release, The Mummy has been recognized for its ability to provide exciting and accessible entertainment, maintaining a balance between adventure and horror. With a charismatic cast and notable visual effects for its time, the film turned out to be a summer blockbuster and has remained in the collective memory as one of the great adventure films of modern cinema.
It is important to highlight that the first installment of the trilogy is considered the most outstanding, although Disney+ has also included the sequels: The Mummy Returns, which helped boost Dwayne Johnson’s career, and the less favored The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. With the recent interest in the franchise, rumors are emerging about the possibility of a new Mummy movie, which according to various sources, could surpass the performance of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, whose box office results did not meet expectations.
This addition to Disney+ not only gives new viewers the chance to enjoy The Mummy, but also allows those who grew up with the film to relive its thrilling adventures. Undoubtedly, this movie has left an indelible mark on the genre and remains relevant in popular culture.
Dwayne Johnson, known worldwide as The Rock, has solidified his status as one of the biggest movie stars of the 21st century, comparable to other great figures like Will Smith and George Clooney. Throughout his career, he has faced skepticism about his ambitions and, in a decisive act, fired his own agents when he felt they did not believe in his potential to achieve greatness in Hollywood. Confidence starts within oneself. From his beginnings in the industry, where he starred in family films and low-grossing blockbusters, Johnson has proven to be a box office titan, accumulating approximately […]
Dwayne Johnson, known worldwide as The Rock, has solidified his status as one of the biggest movie stars of the 21st century, comparable to other great figures like Will Smith and George Clooney. Throughout his career, he has faced skepticism regarding his ambitions and, in a decisive act, fired his own agents when he felt they did not believe in his potential to achieve greatness in Hollywood.
Trust starts with oneself
Since his beginnings in the industry, where he starred in family films and low-grossing blockbusters, Johnson has proven to be a box office titan, accumulating approximately 12 billion dollars worldwide. This financial success positions him as one of the richest actors on the planet, although he still trails behind Scarlett Johansson on the list of the highest-paid.
Despite his resounding success, Dwayne Johnson reflects on his career with a critical eye. In a recent interview, the actor expressed that he does not see himself as a role model in the same vein as Smith or Clooney, but rather perceives himself as a unique figure with his own identity in Hollywood. “Looking back on my career, I feel that I am different,” Johnson states, highlighting his desire to be more than a commercial icon and to explore new creative horizons.
In this new chapter, Johnson has received significant praise for his performance in The Smashing Machine, suggesting a renewed focus on deeper and more challenging roles. His artistic evolution suggests that The Rock’s ambition goes beyond being simply a box office star, thus marking a new direction in his film career.
The connection between Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt has flourished in Hollywood, leading to their most recent collaboration in The Smashing Machine, a biopic that aims to capture the academy’s attention in search of awards. Although the chemistry between both actors has become a hallmark, this new installment seems to be a more forced effort compared to their successful previous film, Jungle Cruise. Two actors with a very special relationship Jungle Cruise, which is currently available for streaming through Disney+, was a moderate success, in which Johnson and Blunt […]
The connection between Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt has flourished in Hollywood, leading to their most recent collaboration in The Smashing Machine, a biopic that aims to capture the academy’s attention in search of awards. Although the chemistry between both actors has become a hallmark, this new installment seems to be a more forced effort compared to their successful previous film, Jungle Cruise.
Two actors with a very special relationship
Jungle Cruise, which is currently available for streaming on Disney+, was a moderate success, in which Johnson and Blunt embark on an adventure through the Amazon. The film, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, combines elements of classic adventure cinema with a modern twist that is appealing to the contemporary viewer. The story revolves around the scientist Lily Houghton, played by Blunt, who, along with her brother McGregor, hires Captain Frank, portrayed by Johnson, to search for a mystical tree with supposed healing powers.
This film evokes reminiscences of previous works such as The African Queen and The Mummy, presenting a balance between action, romance, and humor. Collet-Serra’s direction allows the plot to flow without Johnson’s charisma overshadowing Blunt’s talent, who brings a level of freshness and comedy that adequately complements the film’s dynamic.
Although Jungle Cruise may be seen as a film with moderate ambitions, it efficiently meets its entertainment goals. Meanwhile, viewers eagerly await to see how The Smashing Machine will be received, which could further solidify the collaboration between these talented actors. However, rumors about future projects suggest that both could explore new narratives in adventure cinema.
Dwayne Johnson has experienced a notable setback in his film career with the release of his latest movie, The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie. The film opened with a box office of only $5.9 million in its first weekend, marking the lowest opening of his career in a wide release. This represents a significant moment for the actor, who has previously enjoyed major successes in the film industry. He has handled it with a decorum that is very much appreciated in these cases. In a gesture of gratitude, Johnson used his Instagram account to express his […]
Dwayne Johnson has experienced a notable setback in his film career with the release of his latest movie, The Smashing Machine, directed by Benny Safdie. The film opened with a box office of only $5.9 million in its first weekend, marking the lowest opening of his career in a wide release. This represents a significant moment for the actor, who has previously enjoyed major successes in the film industry.
He has done it with a decorum that is very much appreciated in these cases
In a gesture of gratitude, Johnson used his Instagram account to express his respect and appreciation for the viewers who attended the premiere. Despite the box office results, Johnson made it clear that he values his followers and their support. The actor is known for his positive approach and willingness to connect with his fan base, which underscores his commitment to the film community.
The situation of The Smashing Machine was clearly affected by the strong last-minute competition in theaters. The film was outperformed at the box office by the addition of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour at AMC Theatres, which presented itself as an irresistible draw for the audience. This phenomenon demonstrates the power of high-profile productions, especially during a period when special events attract a considerable crowd.
Critics have noted that the combination of Johnson’s recognition and the impact of the Taylor Swift event has created a challenging scenario for the film. The apparent preference of the public for live experiences and events that generate high expectations could be a decisive factor. In this context, many analysts wonder if Johnson’s film career will be able to recover from this setback or if he will need to rethink his project selection strategy in the future.
The recent movie The Smashing Machine has had a poor opening in Dwayne Johnson’s career, as he has seen his latest project earn only 6 million dollars in its first weekend at the American box office. This result marks the worst debut in the popular actor’s filmography, who is not used to these setbacks in his career. Furthermore, the movie has performed poorly in the Spanish market, debuting at number 8, which underscores its low international impact. A poorly oiled machine Despite the lack of box office success, […]
The recent movie The Smashing Machine has had a poor premiere in the career of Dwayne Johnson, who has seen his latest project gross only 6 million dollars in its first weekend at the American box office. This result marks the worst debut in the popular actor’s filmography, who is not used to such setbacks in his career. Furthermore, the film has performed poorly in the Spanish market, debuting at number 8, which underscores its low international impact.
A poorly lubricated machine
Despite the lack of box office success, Dwayne Johnson has made a notable effort to promote The Smashing Machine. The actor has toured numerous sets, participated in viral interviews, and attended multiple events to generate interest in his new work. However, he has been aware that sometimes this effort is not enough to guarantee public acceptance. In his own words, “there are times when, inevitably, a movie is doomed for the audience”.
In a gesture of humility and recognition, Johnson has expressed his gratitude towards director Benny Safdie, highlighting that it was an honor to collaborate with him on this project. In a recent Instagram post, the actor commented that “this movie has changed my life”, emphasizing his appreciation for the creative experience despite the disappointing box office results.
This year has been filled with unexpected successes in independent cinema, which strongly contrasts with the performance of The Smashing Machine. Undoubtedly, this episode will serve as a reminder that you can’t always win, a concept that a Hollywood giant like Dwayne Johnson has had to face on this occasion.
Film festivals are considered essential barometers for identifying movies with the potential to be nominated for the Oscars. In this context, the Venice Film Festival has become a crucial stage, and this year, the film The Smashing Machine has captured the attention of critics and specialized media as one of the top favorites for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. A film about an MMA fighter with many emotions to unravel Directed by Benny Safdie, The Smashing Machine tells the story of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, a tale that has strongly resonated with the audience
Film festivals are considered essential barometers for identifying movies with the potential to be nominated for the Oscars. In this context, the Venice Film Festival has become a crucial stage, and this year, the film The Smashing Machine has captured the attention of critics and specialized media as one of the top favorites for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
A movie about an MMA fighter with many emotions to unravel
Directed by Benny Safdie, The Smashing Machine tells the story of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, a tale that has resonated strongly with the audience. Starring Dwayne Johnson, who steps away from his usual blockbuster roles, this independent production from A24 has been received with enthusiasm. After its screening in Venice, the film received an impressive 15 minutes of standing ovation, a key indicator of the emotional connection it has generated, making it the highest-rated film at the festival this year.
Emily Blunt’s participation, who has already been nominated for an Oscar for her role in Oppenheimer, also adds an additional appeal. Her role as Dawn Staples, Kerr’s wife, could influence the media attention the film receives. Alejandro G. Calvo, a critic from SensaCine, describes the movie as “very powerful, very good,” solidifying its status as one of the strongest contenders for the Academy Awards.
The story of The Smashing Machine and its dramatic approach represents a significant shift in Dwayne Johnson’s career, who has mostly been associated with high-budget productions. This unique proposal is expected to attract not only action movie fans but also those interested in deeper and more emotional narratives. In Spain, fans will be able to enjoy The Smashing Machine in theaters starting October 3.
