The Smashing Machine (2002)

Yawn. Poorly Filmed Snooze Fest.

Don't Believe the Hype

Wow! What a bizarre film! Unfortunately the few funny moments there were were quite overshadowed by it's completely weird and random vibe throughout.

Yo, there's no way for me to review this film without saying, take your *insert ethnicity + "ass" here* to see this film,like now. You have to see it in order to know what you're really messing with.

Meet Mark Kerr (more appropriately known as "The Smashing Machine") who, in 1999, ranked right up there as the absolute #1 Extreme Fighter in the entire world.This documentary-DVD (from 2002) takes a close-up look at this big bruiser, Kerr, who (at 6' 1" & 263 lb) was a literal "Hulk", being quite able to bench press 425 lb & squat 550 lb.Here the viewer gets a ring-side seat as a spectator to all of the bloodshed, all of the bashing, and all of the brutality. In these "no-holds-barred" mixed martial arts competitions Mark Kerr (like a human bulldozer) ultimately beats the living crap out of his mighty challengers who, right from the start, didn't stand a chance.In between pulverizing his opponents and beating them to a pulp, Kerr seriously deals with his debilitating addiction to painkillers (opiates), as well as finding some time out for a rocky romance and, hopefully, some quality home-life.All-in-all - The Smashing Machine is a fairly interesting documentary showcasing one man's insatiable drive to be the very best in a sport that's sure to leave the viewer awed by its physical brutality.Believe me, this is definitely one show that isn't for the squeamish.... Yep. This is the real thing.

A surprisingly personal look at the life, including trials and tribulations, of Mark Kerr, an "ultimate fighter". Much more than just heads being bashed in which was certainly unexpected. The Smashing Machine is more like a year or two in the life of Mark Kerr who also happens to be an ex wrestler and ultimate fighter. If you are into any type of martial arts you will love this if not then maybe also for the behind the scenes into the life of an interesting character.The only problem is that this movie is a serious pump up movie ala Rocky which may or may not be a problem for people.

The Reality of Ultimate FightingJohn Hyams' film 'The Smashing Machine,' comes across in the way few documentaries really do: Presenting the real-life struggles of ultimate fighter Mark Kerr in a captivating narrative. The film follows Kerr's career over the course of one year, from 1999 to 2000. It explains how he first was an amateur wrestler at the collegiate level, and was later drawn into ultimate fighting in an attempt to use his talent in the ring to earn some money. After his first public appearance, Kerr became a celebrity overnight, eventually finding his way to the Japan-based Pride Fighting Championship promotion. Here, the crowds were huge, and the prize money was impressive. Kerr quickly became one of the top competitors in the promotion, making him truly one of the best fighters on the globe. In the scene where Kerr is in a doctor's waiting room, discussing the sport with an older woman who sees the sport being unreasonable and brutal, he shows his confidence in his sport and does his best to defend it. Hyams however shows also the other side of Kerr's story which is filled with problems. After years of sustaining extremely bad beatings in the ring, Kerr has become addicted to pain killers which led to serious health problems and difficulty with his home life. While it is easy to accept Kerr's defense given to the woman in the doctor's office, the film's unhesitating look into the sport suggests that the woman is right. The camera never shies away from the violence and gruesomeness of the sport, but also reveals the side we never get to see: That Mark Kerr and other fighters depicted in the film, are not inhuman, barbaric beasts whose main reason for existence is to harm their opponents. Instead, we see that they are normal guys who are just doing this to make a living. We may notice that Kerr is not a man who wants to hide anything. He never asks that the camera man be shut off. He is completely honest in his interviews and conversations. He does not even mind showing his pain killer injection and letting us see the scene in the hospital where he breaks out in tears, realizing that his life has to change. That is why Hyams did not choose a soundtrack that is loud, angry and fast, but instead we here music that provides an atmosphere against anger, really allowing the visuals to speak for themselves. Hyams film has therefore turned into a successful documentary that tries to balance the views which are for and against ultimate fighting and the people involved. 'The Smashing Machine' is not only extreme violent, but also emotional, and at times heartbreaking. Yet it is definitely not a film for all viewers because of the intense brutality shown.

I won't describe this movie, since you've probably figured out what it's about by now, but I will say one thing that REALLY stood out. When you watch thismovie, because it was so brilliantly edited, you will feel like it is a legit hollywood film, and not a documentary. The timing of the cuts, the music, the mood, all make this documentary feel more like an amazing Rocky-type movie. Whatseems most hollywood of all is the story, the rise and fall of a hero... all the helping characters and evil villains he runs into along the way... and it's all REAL. There is one scene where this guy that he is going to fight, who is the size of godzilla, is with all his evil little cronies and they're laughing it up in a huge pool like a bunch of villains would in some movie. The movie had it's own Ivan Drago type (from Rocky 4)... you know the Russian champion who nobodycan beat because he's so tough. It was just really cool. So if you see this, think about what I've said, and you'll notice right off the bat!!