Forget The Smashing Machine – The Best Fight Drama of the 2020s Is This 89% RT Zac Efron Masterpiece

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Sports dramas are unique, blending real-life stories with intense emotions. This genre has many subcategories, and fight movies – focusing on boxing or wrestling – stand apart from team sports like football and basketball. These films often tell the true stories of athletes, highlighting their struggles and triumphs. Dwayne Johnson’s new film, *The Smashing Machine*, is a recent example. It received a long standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival and, now widely released, is proving to be surprisingly different from what viewers anticipated.

While audiences will likely appreciate certain aspects of Benny Safdie’s new biopic, and the film is filled with genuine emotion, *The Smashing Machine* hasn’t quite lived up to the initial excitement. Its box office performance during opening weekend was disappointing, suggesting the hype didn’t translate into widespread interest – though box office numbers don’t always reflect a film’s quality, they do shape how it’s remembered. It’s challenging to create a compelling fight drama, particularly one based on a true story, and a film released just two years ago remains the gold standard in the genre.

The Smashing Machine Hinges Solely On the Performances of Its Stars

Early viewers were particularly impressed with Johnson’s performance in *The Smashing Machine*, calling it a career highlight as he portrays UFC fighter Mark Kerr and tackles complex emotional challenges. However, strong acting alone isn’t enough to overcome the film’s structural issues, which stem from director Benny Safdie’s storytelling choices. While honest and raw, the film lacks a clear focus. It initially establishes a timeframe of 1997-2000, but quickly jumps ahead, suggesting the beginning of that period isn’t important. This isn’t an isolated incident; the film is filled with similar jumps in time and incomplete depictions of important events. This creates a repetitive pattern that prevents the characters from developing or the story from moving forward.

The film leaves you wondering why it focuses on just three years of Mark Kerr’s life, as it doesn’t feel like much happens or that it truly concludes his story. We learn he continued fighting and dealing with a difficult relationship with Dawn (Emily Blunt) long after 2000. It seems the filmmakers were more interested in showing the beginnings of the UFC through Kerr’s experience. While *The Smashing Machine* has an interesting premise and a workable story, it doesn’t fully develop its characters, leaving audiences wanting more.

Though the film powerfully portrays the struggles with addiction and the emotional impact of both winning and losing, it doesn’t quite live up to its potential. The most compelling aspect is the focus on Mark Kerr as a person, as the director delves into the individual behind the fighter and the realities of chasing this dream in modern UFC. Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt deliver strong performances – Blunt especially stands out – and the film truly relies on their acting. While Johnson and Blunt are capable enough to handle the difficult subject matter, they can’t fully overcome the story’s weaknesses.

The Best Fight Drama of the Decade Is Still The Iron Claw Starring Zac Efron

Unlike *The Smashing Machine*, *The Iron Claw* fully commits to telling the complete story of the Von Erich family. While the former leaves viewers wanting more, *The Iron Claw* deeply involves them in the family’s tragic experiences. This A24 film goes beyond a simple sports story, focusing on the lasting effects of trauma and loss. The Von Erichs were wrestling icons, and though the physical and mental demands of the NWA were significant, their dedication was unwavering. Sean Durkin’s film expertly blends drama with complex themes, honoring the true story while elevating the material. With career-defining performances from Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, and Harris Dickinson, the film primarily examines family dynamics and how they shape choices and legacies. Kevin Von Erich’s public legacy was built on success in wrestling, but the film reveals a deeper, more painful legacy of immense loss and suffering.

As a critic, I found the film really delved into the core of what makes us human – love, loyalty, and the pain of loss, but also how we grow and keep fighting. It didn’t shy away from tough subjects like mental health, grief, and the complexities of family relationships. What impressed me most is that while the Von Erichs were a famous family, the movie isn’t *about* their fame. It’s about the people *within* that family and how they interacted. And director Durkin wisely avoids focusing on just one part of Kevin’s life; instead, he gives us the whole, complete story, from beginning to end.

Viewers become deeply connected to Kevin’s journey, and the many changes he goes through make his transformation feel complete. He begins the film with a strong sense of self, but ends as a very different person. It’s hard not to be moved by the film, especially because the character development is so well done. The story allows Zac Efron to brilliantly portray Kevin’s changing mindset throughout his struggles. Efron delivers what many consider one of the most overlooked performances of the last ten years in this powerful and moving film, supported by a cast of excellent actors. While *The Iron Claw* isn’t a cheerful movie, it doesn’t need to be; it focuses on portraying real life and its often difficult consequences with honesty.

The Iron Claw Was the Biggest Oscar Snub of 2023

2023 was a memorable year for movies, largely due to the massive popularity of “Barbenheimer.” While many expected a fantastic film to dominate the Oscars, several strong dramas were released. However, *The Iron Claw* seemed to be overlooked when awards season came around. It’s not surprising that Zac Efron didn’t win against Cillian Murphy, considering how impactful Murphy’s role and performance were to audiences.

It’s surprising that *The Iron Claw* wasn’t even considered for any awards. It’s a significant oversight, especially considering the film’s quality. While a lack of promotion from the filmmakers might be a factor, it’s still strange that the talented cast and the movie itself weren’t even nominated. It’s almost comical that *The Smashing Machine* is likely to receive more attention. Ultimately, awards aren’t everything, and many still consider *The Iron Claw* the best wrestling drama of the last ten years.

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2025-10-13 20:07