I am not a fan of sport or action movies, so I was a little hesitant in watching Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson‘s new movie, “The Smashing Machine” based on the 2002 documentary with the same name “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.” However, after the first scene, my mindset was immediately altered, and I was hooked.

Released on Oct., 3, Johnson plays the American Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter, Mark Kerr as he battles his addiction to drugs while also competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and the Japanese Pride Fighting Championships throughout the years 1997 to 2000.

The movie begins with Kerr in the ring, and alludes to him being a famous and well respected fighter in the UFC competition held in Brazil. As the movie progresses and more about Kerr’s life is revealed, viewers get the idea that Kerr is battling an addiction to pain killers.

Johnson plays a role different from any other film he has made. In the past, he has been known for his comedic films such as “Jumanji” and “Central Intelligence.” However, this movie proved Johnson to be a serious and talented actor with his unrecognizable character. Throughout every scene, Johnson was able to portray the complexity of Kerr’s mind and the challenges he fought internally, expressing raw emotions felt through the cinema screens.

The cinematography fascinated me. The movement of the camera made the movie seem like the viewers were watching the film through their own eyes, as the camera was never perfectly still. This choice allowed the watchers to really feel like they were present in every scene, feeling the emotions in the room with the characters. This was prevalent in many scenes with Kerr and his girlfriend, Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt, as the two were often arguing throughout the movie and the shaking camera enhanced the tension between the two.

The only complaint I have with this movie was the loose ending. The end felt rushed and didn’t make sense with the rest of the emotionally-packed scenes. It was abrupt and I didn’t even realize it was the finale until facts about Kerr’s life displayed on the screen.

The Smashing Machine is a must-watch film with its intense scenes that make the viewer reflect on their lives. Overall, I’d give this movie a 4/5 as I wish the ending lived up to the rest of the amazing film.