Best Picture Power Rankings and the Rock’s Oscar Bid in ‘The Smashing Machine,’ With Benny Safdie!

Sean and Amanda get in the ring with Van Lathan to go multiple rounds on Benny Safdie’s new film, The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt. They work through their mixed feelings by recognizing the phenomenal performance from the Rock, which makes it worth the price of admission alone, and their disappointment and frustration toward Emily Blunt’s incredibly one-note character (1:49). Then, Sean and Amanda create their new Best Picture power rankings following the fall film festival season (36:18). Finally, director Benny Safdie joins Sean to discuss his new film and explore his deeply intimate experience making the movie, why the Rock was perfect for the part of Mark Kerr, and the challenges of shooting a combat sports film (53:44).

Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins
Guests: Benny Safdie and Van Lathan
Producer: Jack Sanders