Oscar-Worthy Performance: Critics Call "The Smashing Machine" with Dwayne Johnson the Best Film of His Career

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After the Venice Film Festival, many began talking seriously: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has finally landed a role that could lead him to that coveted Oscar nomination.

His work in the sports drama "The Smashing Machine" is being called the best of the actor's career — and not for the scale of the fights, but for the unexpected depth with which he portrayed fighter Mark Kerr.

Critical Response

The first reviews turned out surprisingly positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film sits at 84% "fresh." Critics note this isn't your typical sports biopic — the ring battles serve more as backdrop for a complex personal drama. "Johnson completely inhabits the role of Mark Kerr. A powerful and penetrating performance, the best of his career," writes Flick Feast.
"The Smashing Machine" trailer
The Daily Telegraph called the film "punchy and honest," while Variety critics highlighted how Johnson transforms on screen:
Johnson, completely transforming his image (he's like a different actor), brings mystery to Mark's silent, brooding, secretive side. He's stunning.
Variety
There were skeptics too. The Times sarcastically compared "The Smashing Machine" to a fake diamond — it sparkles like an Oscar contender, but there's nothing inside.

However, the overall review sentiment remains positive: even those who weren't satisfied with the film acknowledge that took a step toward serious cinema.

Johnson's Commitment

For the "Fast & Furious" and "Jumanji" star, this project really became a genuine challenge. To play Kerr, he had to spend 3-4 hours daily in the makeup chair: the actor wore up to 14 prosthetics, changing not just his appearance but his walk.

At the Venice premiere, the actor couldn't hold back tears — 15 minutes of audience applause became the most powerful moment of his career. "He stopped being The Rock," said co-star Emily Blunt, who played the hero's wife. According to her, Johnson literally "broke himself in half for this role."

Why You Should Watch

"The Smashing Machine" isn't another movie about a loser who returns to sports. This is a story of addiction, love, and pain. Johnson is equally convincing as an unstoppable champion and as a man who's lost his confidence.
Actor Dwayne Johnson in MMA gloves sits in the ring, on the right he has raised his hands in front of his face
Poster and still from "The Smashing Machine"
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For an actor who's long been associated only with action flicks and family comedies, this is literally stepping out of his comfort zone. After questionable projects like "Black Adam" or "Red One," Johnson got a chance to prove he can be more than just a blockbuster star — a real dramatic actor.

And judging by Venice's reaction, he seized that chance. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com covered in detail Dwayne Johnson's preparation for the role of Mark Kerr.