Dwayne Johnson's 'Smashing Machine'

Dwayne Johnson's 'Smashing Machine'

Author: Across the Movie Aisle October 7, 2025 Duration: 54:55
Before we get to the episode, a quick note: we are spinning off Across the Movie Aisle into its own separate thing; it will no longer be part of the Bulwark network of shows, but it will still exist on Substack at movieaisle.substack.com. If you listen via Apple, nothing much will change for the moment; if you listen via Substack there may be a few changes for you. But we’ll cover that next week in our first episode at the new spot. —SB

On this week’s episode, Sonny, Peter, and Alyssa look at the perilous state of film and television production in Los Angeles. Is Hollywood’s time as the undisputed king of film production at an end? What does that mean for the people who make a living out there? And what does it mean for the idea of an American film industry? Then they review The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson and Benny Safdie’s award season play. Is this the movie The Rock needs to regain some credibility as an actor? Or does it miss the mark? 

There’s a familiar rhythm to most movie talk: either a deep dive into technical craft or a quick thumbs-up, thumbs-down reaction. Across the Movie Aisle proposes a different kind of conversation. Each week, the discussion moves past simple recommendations and into the richer territory where personal taste, cultural context, and cinematic history collide. You’ll hear thoughtful reviews of new releases and enduring classics, but the real focus is on the dialogue itself-the disagreements, the discoveries, and the shared enthusiasm that happens when perspectives meet. This isn’t about delivering a unanimous verdict; it’s about exploring why a film works for some and falls flat for others, what a director’s choices reveal, and how the landscape of television and film continues to shift. The tone is more like a spirited, informed chat among friends than a formal lecture, making even the most nuanced analysis feel accessible. Whether it’s breaking down the latest headline-grabbing series or revisiting an overlooked gem, the podcast thrives on that genuine exchange of ideas. It’s for anyone who finds that the most interesting part of watching something is the conversation that follows, where the space between different viewpoints is exactly where the understanding grows. Tune in for a weekly dose of that specific, engaging, and wonderfully contentious dialogue that only movies and TV can inspire.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Across the Movie Aisle
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