The Smashing Machine2025-09-22
Vancouver, BC
It hits all the notes of a typical biopic, but has a scrappy energy to it that really sets it apart from the field. Like we're not rooting for a larger than life, impossibly perfect individual. It's a glimpse of a man, often flawed, humbly navigating the sport and all the personal baggage that comes with it. The execution here evokes classic Hollywood, with bold needle drops and a sublimely filmic finish. And honestly, I'm all in on the Dwayne Johnson Oscar campaign. To see him here, makeup seamlessly enabling his masquerade as Mark Kerr, is such a welcome development from his standard lowest common denominator endeavours. Such a revelation.
Watched at an advanced IMAX screening at Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver. Thrilled I got a chance to see it in IMAX, since I'm not sure how much of a theatrical IMAX run it will get, with One Battle After Another and TRON: Ares filling up the calendar for the next couple weeks.
Watched at an advanced IMAX screening at Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver. Thrilled I got a chance to see it in IMAX, since I'm not sure how much of a theatrical IMAX run it will get, with One Battle After Another and TRON: Ares filling up the calendar for the next couple weeks.