Dwayne Johnson's gritty new drama, The Smashing Machine, has landed on VOD, but will it find its audience this time?
Movie News
After a wave of critical acclaim, Benny Safdie's The Smashing Machine, starring a dramatically transformed Dwayne Johnson, hit theaters. But, the film didn't perform as expected at the box office. Opening on October 3rd, it only earned $20.2 million against a $40 million budget. Now, the film is available on VOD, giving viewers a second chance to experience it at home.
The Smashing Machine offers a raw and intense look at Mark Kerr's journey, from his rise in the early days of MMA to becoming a UFC champion. However, the film doesn't shy away from depicting Kerr's struggles with painkiller addiction and his tumultuous relationship with girlfriend Dawn Staples (played by Emily Blunt), which took a heavy toll on his life and career.
Interestingly, Johnson himself addressed the film's box office performance on Instagram, while also highlighting its creative achievements. He expressed his gratitude to those who have watched the film, and emphasized his commitment to his role. He stated, "In our storytelling world, you can’t control box office results — but what I realized you can control is your performance, and your commitment to completely disappear and go elsewhere. And I will always run to that opportunity. It was my honor to transform in this role for my director Benny Safdie. Thank you brother for believing in me. Truth is this film has changed my life."
Our own Chris Bumbray praised the film, predicting its success for A24. He noted that critics would respect it, and Johnson's fans would be eager to see him in such a different role. Bumbray highlighted Johnson's excellent reinvention, concluding that the effort put into The Smashing Machine was worthwhile.
But here's where it gets controversial... The film's theatrical performance raises questions about audience preferences and how they choose to consume media. Is the VOD release a second chance, or is the damage already done?
Will you watch The Smashing Machine now that it's available on VOD? What factors influence your decision to watch movies in theaters versus at home? Is it ticket prices, the time commitment, or the convenience of home viewing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. We're eager to hear your perspective!
