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kevinm126
Reviews
The Smashing Machine (2002)
Quite possibly the best MMA documentary ever made.
"The Smashing Machine", which follows mixed martial arts competitor Mark Kerr's career from late '99 until the Pride Grand Prix 2000 tournament in Japan, is a stunning and provocative look at a man whose fights with his own personal demons rival those he encounters in the ring (or in the octagon). Also featured in the documentary is Mark Coleman, who at the time was coming off a two-year slump in the sport.
I think what struck me the most was the dramatic aspect of it. Kerr, for one, surprised me with his willingness to bare his soul before the camera. The movie goes a long way to dispell many stereotypes that many people have of shootfighters, as both Kerr and Coleman come across as genuinely good people (and in Coleman's case a devout husband and father). John Hyams provides the audience with an extremely candid look at the life of Kerr, who deals with a drug abuse problem and a potentially dysfunctional relationship. For those who aren't fans of MMA, the access Kerr grants to Hyams will shock and move you. For those who are fans, the bouts that are shown (through clips) become even more pivotal and dramatic.
For fans of Mixed Martial Arts the documentary will forever change the way you'll look at Kerr and Coleman, while also adding an added dimension to the drama that occurs within the ring (or octagon). "The Smashing Machine" provides a moving glimpse into the lives of people whose weaknesses make them more identifiable to the audience than any other documentary subject or film character, despite their profession and physiques.
Highly recommended for fans and non-fans alike,, and especially for those who view MMA as barbaric and its fighters as testosterone-driven madmen.
Mystery Men (1999)
Good concept coupled with a decent effort from the cast and crew...too bad nobody bothered to revise the script.
It was an interesting concept; to spoof the superhero genre and provide a cast that was both comedically sound and perfect for the sarcastic nature of its plot. Unfortunately, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Geoffrey Rush is absolutely WASTED in his role as super-villain "Cassanova Frankenstein". One of the few redeeming qualities of the film is William H. Macy as "The Shoveler". Macy succeeds where others in the cast fail: he makes the role amusing while providing a sincerity to the character that makes it endearing as well. Greg Kinnear also hits his mark as the sell-out superhero Captain Amazing. Janeane Garofalo's asides to her "father" as the Bowler are amusing as well. As for the rest of the cast...well, Hank Azaria does what he can to make the inane "Blue Rajah" character entertaining, but the rest of the cast appears wasted in their roles (for example Ben Stiller as "Mr. Furious"). A good effort from the cast and crew, however a poor script and less than enthralling storyline make it a hard sell. A heartfelt shot that misses its target by a mile.