Good story about a real fighter

Not a great movie

Great performance by Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. Their toxic relationship was uncomfortable to watch but kept you hooked.

Ending was kinda weird, but I truly believe this might be Dwayne Johnson’s first shot at a potential Oscar! Absolutely superb!!

Movie ropes me in emotionally with the performance of Emily blunt. Emily lets the viewer get in touch and begin to understand how deep and emotionally complex a stone faced individual such as Kerr (DJ) could be. And the movie as whole understands and performs to that subject manner perfectly.

Smashing

The emotional payoff of the film isn’t so much about triumph, but resilience. And the reality of never knowing how being yourself inspires others, even long after it might seem the opportunity to do so has passed.

Not all the swings land in “The Smashing Machine.” Which is fine, given how hard Johnson hits (and gets hit) with this fascinating shift in his acting. Going to the mat here with the role of his life – so far at least – shows a performer whose true potential we're just now finally seeing.

Brian Truitt

USA Today

For audiences curious to know the ins and outs of the early days of MMA fighting, you'd be better served by watching the 2002 documentary. If, however, you're more curious about the people involved, and if you're someone who feels like either a winner or a loser (or, more to the point, both at once) in life's big match, then The Smashing Machine is for you.