The Smashing Machine - The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr

Starring:Mark Kerr, Marcus Coleman, Dawn Staples, Bas Rutten, Eddie Goldman, Royce Gracie, Igor Vovchanchyn, Ken Shamrock
Director: John Hyams (II)
Studio: New Video Group
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
A supercharged bloodfest for mixed martial arts fight fans, but of more dubious merit as a documentary, The Smashing Machine is a blurry, noncommittal portrait of would-be American warrior Mark Kerr, a soft-spoken drug addict who performs astonishing acts of violence for big money. A former wrestler turned extreme fighter, Kerr proves a contradictory subject--a boyish, quietly restless man who resorts to no-hold-barred savagery in the ring--in this shameless, often nauseating HBO project. Over several months, director John Hyams (NYPD Blue) captures Kerr's seemingly unstoppable parade of victory in the U.S. and Japan. He also reflects the decay in Kerr's private life and highlights a dramatic turn in his fortunes after Kerr loses an important MMA match to a Russian brawler. Along the way, we meet Kerr's trainer, Mark Coleman, whose own destiny takes on ironic, unexpected importance in the end. --Tom Keogh
Description
A sport so dangerous it was once banned in the U.S., no-holds-barred fighting is undeniably the purest form of human competition. Simple in concept and savage in execution, it is the definitive test of survival: one ring, two fighters, and no rules. In th

Average customer rating:

Very Well Done

This movie is interesting even if you dont know the story...

The Smashing Machine - The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr

Push comes to shove

Could have been much better

The Smashing Machine - The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr
Starring: Mark Kerr , Mark Coleman (IV) , Dawn Staples , Bas Rutten , and Eddie Goldman
Director: John Hyams (II)
Manufacturer: New Video Group
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Release Date: 2003-10-28

Amazon.com

A supercharged bloodfest for mixed martial arts fight fans, but of more dubious merit as a documentary, The Smashing Machine is a blurry, noncommittal portrait of would-be American warrior Mark Kerr, a soft-spoken drug addict who performs astonishing acts of violence for big money. A former wrestler turned extreme fighter, Kerr proves a contradictory subject--a boyish, quietly restless man who resorts to no-hold-barred savagery in the ring--in this shameless, often nauseating HBO project. Over several months, director John Hyams (NYPD Blue) captures Kerr's seemingly unstoppable parade of victory in the U.S. and Japan. He also reflects the decay in Kerr's private life and highlights a dramatic turn in his fortunes after Kerr loses an important MMA match to a Russian brawler. Along the way, we meet Kerr's trainer, Mark Coleman, whose own destiny takes on ironic, unexpected importance in the end. --Tom Keogh

Description

A sport so dangerous it was once banned in the U.S., no-holds-barred fighting is undeniably the purest form of human competition. Simple in concept and savage in execution, it is the definitive test of survival: one ring, two fighters, and no rules. In th

Customer Reviews:

Very Well Done.......2006-07-15

This documentary gives the sport of no holds barred fighting a human face. Mark Kerr is one of thousands of `ultimate fighters' that put their lives on the line for pride, money and family honor. Before I saw this film, I had seen a few of Kerr's fights and I was impressed with his ability and style. But I really had no idea about the man outside the ropes. This film presents Kerr as a brave and talented, but flawed man. And that is why it is so good, because nobody is really invincible or totally free of personal struggle. Everyone has to battle themselves as much as they battle the world. And Mark Kerr is no exception. He braved addiction and injury to come back and reclaim victory. In addition to Kerr, the film highlights Mark Coleman, who also beat the odds and won. This documentary is an excellent look at the sacrifice and commitment that goes into no holds barred fighting. Check it out.

This movie is interesting even if you dont know the story..........2006-03-09

This documentary was shot at the exact time Mark Kerr was going through a horrible period in his life. It is done somewhat low-budget so don't expect James Earl Jones doing narration but it's an epic story. Unlike others, this film isn't done in the documentary style of flashback and archived clips. The things that happen all happen as they're filming the movie.
Mark Kerr was an amazing fighter and like most of the amazing fighters in the world kinda fell into the sport. He was a wrestler and after college needed something to do for money. Putting his talents to use solved that problem.
I suggest that anyone who watches this movie watch some real Mixed Martial Arts fights beforehand. Give yourself that taste of what MMA is like and then you'll understand how much of a struggle it can be to train and compete.
P.S. It's been a while since I've seen the movie but in the bonus features, watching Bas knock out Rodrigo (i think), is probably one of the most classic shots ever.

The Smashing Machine - The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr.......2006-02-17

This biography is well worth looking at if you're into ultimate fighting. This movie gives you an interesting perspective of the struggles and triumphs of a brutal sport. It starts with Marks first fight, the many years of triumphant wins and drug addiction. Mark Kerr is one hell of a fighter, on and of the mat. The disk also comes complete with special features. Highly recommended!

Push comes to shove.......2005-12-27

The movie "The Smashing Machine" follows the story of MMA fighter Mark Kerr. It discusses his rise to the top of the MMA world, and his unyielding battle with his own personal demons.

Overall, the movie is interesting. However, I think it paints a really negative image of the MMA world. Mostly because they (the producers) portray the story of Kerr and Colemen, as two men who ended up in this world of MMA by mere happenstance. And that neither of them really wanted to do it, but instead that they were forced to do it because of the circumstances of their lives (Colemen and Kerr both needed money).

But the story is powerful, and Kerr gives one a glimpse into the mind of an extreme fighter. You find yourself cheering him on, hoping that he will be able to bash everyone's head in.

Enjoy!

Could have been much better.......2005-12-09

This film held my interest throughout its one and a half hours. I am not sure that it would hold the interest of someone who wasn't a fan of mixed martial arts (MMA).

Some of the elements needed for a great documentary were in the film - close, gritty footage of Mark Kerr in some of his darkest moments, access to some of the most important people in his life, footage from his training and fights - but what was missing was a good narrator or expert commentator.

The shaky camera footage, quick cuts, blood-red filters used during some of the fight scenes, heavily edited fights, and the dubbed-in cheering will not satisfy MMA fans, and will only serve to disgust and upset people who have never seen a real Pride fighting tournament.

If you are an MMA fan, you will find this film worth watching. If you are not, you should watch a few tournaments before watching this film.

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