The Smashing Machine Christian Review
Everyone knows The Rock. WWE’s poster boy, Hollywood’s action king… but it’s not just about one superstar. In The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson plays a real-life MMA legend, Mark Kerr. And trust me, this story isn’t one that lets you pass the time by popping popcorn. It’s heavy… a true portrait of a man’s inner battle.
Kerr was a beast inside the cage – punches, takedowns, victories, all unstoppable. But outside the cage? His biggest opponent was… himself. Fame, pressure, pain – and to escape all of that, he chose opioids. Drugs became a mask for him… and slowly the person behind that mask almost vanished.
This reminds me of that Bible verse – Romans 7:19: “The good I want to do, I don’t do… but the evil I don’t want to do, happens again and again.” Exactly the same thing happened with Kerr. On one hand, there was his willpower, on the other, temptation. And when both collide, the real face of the man comes out.
Now the faith angle… honestly, the film doesn’t openly talk about God or prayer. But spiritually, it is very loud. Look, there’s a void in every person’s life that can’t be filled with drugs, fame, or relationships. Only Christ can fill that void. If Kerr had this true realization, perhaps her downfall wouldn’t have been so severe. Proverbs 18:10 says: “The Lord is a strong tower; those who wait on him are safe.” Kerr needed that strong tower.
Now, speaking of family-friendliness, it’s clear – this movie is not for children. Brutal fights, drug abuse, raw breakdowns… it’s all there. This is a must-see for those who want to understand real struggles, not just those who are here for the action.
Positive role models? Complicated. Kerr herself is a tragic figure. But one thing is clear – her story shows us that life isn’t won by just muscles and glory. Real strength comes when we face our inner demons… and through a Christian lens, when we surrender to God’s grace.
Bottom line – The Smashing Machine is a tough watch, but a necessary one. It reminds us that even the world’s greatest champions are broken inside. And the void that leaves us can be filled by only one thing: the peace and grace of Christ.
