Just like the Christmas decorations appearing in supermarkets, the Oscar race seems to start earlier each year. The latest Clash Film column features Dwayne Johnson entering the competition for Best Actor; producer Marlon Wayans shares a chilling sports tale; and we reflect on the quintessential cult film.
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THE SMASHING MACHINE
Currently in theaters
Wrestling icon and action star Dwayne Johnson is aiming for Oscar recognition in this biopic about MMA fighter Mark Kerr, focusing on a critical three-year period marked by opioid addiction and the intense pressure of striving for excellence.
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Directed by Benny Safdie, his first solo film apart from his Uncut Gems co-director brother Josh, this piece is a nuanced and well-acted character exploration. Although it may lack the knockout punch one might expect given the talent involved, it still captivates throughout. Johnson shifts from a bold action hero to an unexpectedly vulnerable giant, with Emily Blunt matching him scene for scene as Kerr’s supportive yet unstable girlfriend, Dawn.
In many respects, The Smashing Machine parallels 2022’s The Whale, in that the standout performance is why you watch, rather than the narrative itself. A polished, albeit occasionally foreseeable, tale of addiction is enhanced by a star who genuinely grasps his character, and his commitment to bringing him to life should be well-rewarded when nominations are announced.
8/10
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HIM
Currently in theaters
Transitioning from the cage to the football field, Marlon Wayans stars in Him, the narrative of a promising young American football quarterback (Tyriq Withers) who gets the chance to be mentored by the legendary Isaiah White (Wayans), the very person he could replace. Initially inspired by his hero's unwavering work ethic, he soon discovers a troubling secret behind Isaiah's achievements.
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The all-encompassing realm of American sports appears to offer rich ground for social commentary, as the relentless chase for excellence consumes all. Unfortunately, this film struggles to cohesively blend its diverse elements, with the overarching horror overshadowing any intended messages. Much like the recent music-themed horror Opus, the plot escalates to absurd heights, placing characters in increasingly ridiculous scenarios.
Wayans delivers a committed performance, convincingly embodying the intense 'Mindset Monster' prevalent on many social media platforms. However, on the whole, Him stumbles in achieving its lofty goals.
4/10
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STRANGE JOURNEY: THE STORY OF ROCKY HORROR
Now in theaters, available on DVD, Blu-Ray, and Digital from October 20th
The 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show redefined what a cult film could entail. A quirky, campy stage adaptation that initially flopped at the box office, it gained a devoted following during midnight screenings and has become a fixture in cinema history as the longest-running theatrical release, as it has never truly “left” the cinemas. This documentary features creator Richard O’Brien alongside stars Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Barry Bostwick, reflecting on the film’s unexpected success and legacy.
The documentary thoroughly covers its journey from fringe theater to cult phenomenon, with many living cast and crew members sharing delightful stories from filming, undoubtedly polished from years of convention appearances.
It’s a warm and heartfelt homage, although director Ed O’Brien, who is Richard’s son, seems hesitant to delve too deeply, especially regarding his father's identity. It feels as though the man who helped countless others discover their genuine selves never fully identified himself, and the film seems to shy away from exploring that further.
Nevertheless, fans will be captivated by the archival footage, and the documentary shines when highlighting the movie's significance to the LGBTQ+ community, which found a safe space to embrace their identity at a time when it was stigmatized. The testimonies from those attending the initial costume screenings will evoke tears and might inspire you to join in on The Time Warp once more.
7/10
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Words: Victoria Luxford
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Much like how Christmas decorations appear in supermarkets earlier each year, the Oscar race seems to start sooner and sooner. The most recent Clash Film column features Dwayne Johnson.