Pop Culture Happy Hour The Smashing Machine And What's Making Us Happy
Oct 3, 2025
Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt lead a gripping biopic about UFC champion Mark Kerr, tackling themes of addiction and redemption. The panel debates whether the film serves as a serious transformation for The Rock or as an industry ploy for awards recognition. They delve into the film's intense IMAX experience and critique its emotional depth. Cultural representation and the portrayal of early MMA also spark discussion. To lighten the mood, hosts share what's making them happy, from thrilling films to the latest music and gaming obsessions.
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Episode notes
Career Reinvention As Central Aim
- The Smashing Machine aims to shift Dwayne Johnson from crowd-pleasing star to serious actor.
- The film uses awards-season tropes to package that transition for critics and institutions.
Questioning The Film's Purpose
- The reviewers felt the film was competently made but struggled to justify its existence.
- They repeatedly asked "why this story now?" as a core unresolved question.
Star Persona Shapes Biopic
- Critics noted the movie often reads as a Dwayne Johnson project rather than a full biography of Mark Kerr.
- Johnson's star persona colors audience perception of the character and film choices.
