Movies THE SMASHING MACHINE Starring Dwayne Johnson (Bombs at the Box Office)

[Nizam al-Mulk]

From what I remember, it's like a long Dawson's Creek with MMA. I remember smirking when the kid does the Rampage powerbomb to get out of a triangle, but that's about it.



I don't really remember the sequel either, but I do remember liking it better than the first one. I also remember liking the movie Blood and Bone better than both Never Back Downs.

Honestly, though, the MMA movies that started coming out between 2007-2012 pretty much all stunk. I much preferred the MMA TV episodes that started cropping up in shows like Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (with Forrest Griffin) and The Mentalist. I also of course loved Chuck Liddell showing up in Entourage and Blue Mountain State

I am talking about the 3d movie probably. The second movie has the comic book nerd who turns into an evil martial artist.

 

[nonoob]

WWE is even weirder than hollyweird. Always has been, always will be.

Not at all. Nothing is ever questioned, or seen, with Eyes Wide Shut, ask Kubrick.
​

Vince's "character" is proof that he was, and IS, holly weird bankrolled & protected.

"Copland" was classic 4 star Sly performance with an all star cast, a deep eye-opening both IMHO Oscar worthy.

Hear a world class actor speak about his experiences, lucky for all he wasn't whacked.

I think we all owe Mel an apology. Mel Gibson exposing Hollywood way back in 1998

<div>And nobody listened then just like they refuse to listen now.</div> <div> </div>

theworldwatch.com

 

[Blayt7hh]

Finally got around to watching this.

I haven't watched the original documentary, and I got into Pride after the 2000 GP, so I'm a bit of a blank slate.

-Rock looks the part imo, cheesy wig aside. Physically imposing, just like the pictures of Kerr that I have seen. His physique commands attention and is definitely a focal point of the film.

-Decent job of recreating Pride events. The commentary and sound of the slams were spot on.

-Rock's takedowns looked ok, and they kept a lot of the punches off screen so as to avoid to cheesy pro wrestling feel.

-His overall acting is consistent with past efforts. If you hate his acting, then you likely won't enjoy his work here. His first acting role that I recall was Walking Tall back in 2004. I remember being surprised at how believable and natural he was in this role. This was 20 years ago, so imo, he has only gotten better. I don't believe him to be a bad actor. I think people are just being overly critical. He showed a range of emotion in this film and it represents a radical departure from his usual roles. He'll never be Daniel Day Lewis, but for a crossover star, he's pretty good.

-Bader not the best pick for Coleman. Way too small imo. Acting was surprisingly OK though. I never realized they were both in the 2000 GP and could potentially have fought each other. Love that they played this aspect of the story up.

-Bas as himself was ok. He was largely retired from fighting at this point, so to portray him as the older trainer/mentor type wasn't that much of a stretch. They kept him in sweatshirts and concealing clothes to mask his aged physique. Kinda hard to recreate Bas, so I can understand the casting here.

The best, and perhaps least talked about aspect of this film is the soundtrack. Lots of era appropriate music and some hidden, obscure gems that fit nicely. Most notably, The Cleaners From Venus at the end.

I highly recommend watching the documentary. It offers a rare glimpse into that world and what those guys who chose to compete back then were like.

 

[Slobodan]

The sequel where MJW befriends the dude with the Confederate tatoo is a weird mix of a Christian message movie and a decent MMA movie is hilarious in some ways.

Never watched any of the sequels might get around to it sometime

 

[Intermission]

FINALLY a movie with him that bombs.

 

[GSP_37]

HBO Max has it now.

 

[listrahtes]

Just seen it. It's without a doubt, Rocks best performance and movie. Ive never liked his movies and thought he was a less than mediocre actor, but he actually pulled it off here and certainly stepped out of his comfort zone.

The movie will appeal to hardcores and anyone with any kind of knowledge or sense of history when it comes to MMA. Casuals and non MMA fans may find things to dislike and I can see how the story could get boring for some.

It's not the greatest biopic, but id still give it a fair 7/10. Acting was good, directing was on point. Flowed well enough for me, but I also remember Mark Kerr from back in the day.

Is it the best MMA film. No. Thats Warrior.

It is still a good movie however and worth the watch, especially if you are a fan of MMA. Its raw, honest and gives people an insight into the more non glorious aspects of the sport. Definitely gave me some The Wrestler vibes here and there.

Problem is that the movie is a near copy of the documentary plus Hollywood tropes . No artistic vision in itself and the documentary is far superior in every aspect. There is just no benefit watching the movie if you know the documentary. Much less emotional impact. a weak copy of Marks wife .

For people knowing the original I don't think anyone will enjoy this lesser copy