Try GOLD - Free
BRAWL OR NOTHING
Liverpool Echo
|October 03, 2025
DWAYNE JOHNSON PACKS AN EMOTIONAL PUNCH IN BRUISING BIOPIC OF UFC FIGHTER MARK KERR
DWAYNE Johnson muscles his way into possible Oscar contention in writer-director Benny Safdie’s lightweight biopic of a sports star considered one of the fiercest bare-knuckle fighters on the planet in his heyday.
Focusing on the period between 1997 and 2000 when Ohio-born wrestler and mixed martial artist Mark Kerr rose to fame, The Smashing Machine is an underdog story elevated by Safdie’s trademark documentary-style direction and stellar performances.
With the aid of impressive prosthetics, Johnson vanishes completely beneath the sweat-glistened facade of his flawed trailblazer, who becomes addicted to opioids as he punishes his battered and bruised body beyond the normal limits of human endurance.
This story is from the October 03, 2025 edition of Liverpool Echo.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
VIVE LA FRANCE
NEW BAR BRINGS A CONTINENTAL FLAIR TO 'ICONIC' GRAND CENTRAL SITE
1 min
December 16, 2025
Liverpool Echo
Sir Cliff's cancer treatment
SIR Cliff Richard has revealed he has been treated for prostate cancer for the past year.
2 mins
December 16, 2025
Liverpool Echo
Curiosity and facing challenge brings me fulfilment
England rugby hero Jonny Wilkinson speaks to SARA KEENAN about his mental health journey and the pressures men face in today’s society
4 mins
December 16, 2025
Liverpool Echo
Number of police forces could be cut
SIR Keir Starmer has indicated that he favours reducing the number of police forces in England and Wales.
1 mins
December 16, 2025
Liverpool Echo
Some buses to run for free on Christmas Day
SPECIAL CITY REGION NETWORK WILL COVER HOSPITAL ROUTES
2 mins
December 16, 2025
Liverpool Echo
Cop accused of falsifying evidence of an assault
A POLICE constable is accused of falsifying evidence of an assault.
1 min
December 16, 2025
Liverpool Echo
Perfect timing from Ekitike as Reds need a new main man
T’S now five games unbeaten for Arne Slot’s Liverpool who made further progress on Saturday with that 2-0 win over Brighton at Anfield.
2 mins
December 16, 2025
Liverpool Echo
The fans sang - but I can't believe this is the end
Tis hoped that Liverpool can put the Mohamed Salah sideshow behind them now after his return to the squad on Saturday.
2 mins
December 16, 2025
Liverpool Echo
Shedding light on a 'crushing' condition
As Dame Judi Dench reveals her eyesight is failing, CAMILLA FOSTER learns more about what age-related macular degeneration means
2 mins
December 16, 2025
Liverpool Echo
SOFA SO BAD
GET MORE ACTIVITY IN YOUR LIFE TO CUT THE RISK TO YOUR HEALTH
3 mins
December 16, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size