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https://nerdist.com/article/the-smashing-machine-film-dwayne-johnson-review/

It’s hard to say writer-director Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine is bad. It’s certainly well-made. It also sounds amazing. Most importantly, it features a genuinely outstanding lead performance from Dwayne Johnson in what is probably his best and most interesting role ever. But it’s impossible to say The Smashing Machine is good. It’s masquerading as a brutal, honest, raw story about a world-class athlete struggling with addiction, co-dependence, and the desperate need to win. What it actually is an empty, frustrating hagiography.

The Smashing Machine follows MMA legend Mark Kerr from 1997 to 2000, which are the early, controversial days of what is now a billion dollar industry. Despite him beginning his mixed martial arts career during this period, he’s already addicted to painkillers. He’s already also with his girlfriend Dawn. While the movie over explains (in a way that doesn’t feel convincing) why winning drives him to compete, it doesn’t reveal much about Kerr otherwise. We don’t know where he came from, why he seemingly doesn’t have any family, or how literally anything in his life shaped the man he became. He just sort of exists. All we really know is that he’s a kind, soft-spoken, otherwise gentle guy who bottles everything up and occasionally flies off the handle.

Dawn (Emily Blunt) yells at him to let her in emotionally so many times it feel as though The Smashing Machine is trying to get ahead of this exact criticism. It seems to tell us Mark Kerr is simply unknowable and therefore we shouldn’t hold it against the movie that it doesn’t really understand him either. It’s not a compelling argument. If the film explained why these two people, who seemingly don’t even like each other, got together in the first place, it would make that a little easier to accept.

Maybe Mark changed? Maybe Mark suffered some kind of trauma? Or maybe Mark, who actually seems very emotional a lot of the time, is more than just a fighter? Does he have other stuff going on? I wouldn’t know. I only sat through this entire two hour film which is entirely about him. You expect me to know something about him now?

The only reason Mark Kerr doesn’t feel like a total mystery to me is because of Dwayne Johnson. A big muscle-bound fighter might seem like an obvious part for him. But this role is completely outside of his comfort zone. It pushes him to places we rarely see him go. And he crushes it. He completely loses himself in the part. Unlike most of his roles, “The Rock” is nowhere to be found in this movie. He’s vulnerable, dorky, awkward, and stands outs most in quiet moments.

It’s a great performance that is both exciting and frustrating. Exciting because it’s unlike the kind of similar character he’s been playing for a long time. Frustrating because he should have been doing this for a long time. He could have had a much better career so far because Dwayne Johnson can act. He can, and should, leave The Rock in the wrestling ring when he enters the silver screen.

Emily Blunt can also act, but we knew that. Like Mark, the film doesn’t seem to really care who Dawn is and why. Like Johnson, Blunt makes her interesting anyway. She feels like a real person. That’s also due to the fact The Smashing Machine does one interesting thing with her character. Unlike most boxing/MMA movies, where the loving significant other with a heart of gold helps center a rage-filled fighter, the movie takes the bold stance of saying women can also be messy a**holes. Dawn is as troubled and frustrating as Mark, just in different ways. It’s not the film’s only clever inversion of an old sports movie trope, but it’s definitely the best.

Unexpected moments and outcomes make the end of The Smashing Machine a lot more interesting than the start and middle. Yet, in fairness, I was never bored by the movie. I didn’t even find anything outright bad with the exception of a horribly written, unseen sports announcer. It’s not a bad movie. It just “is.” The result is a very frustrating film that goes nowhere. It’s technically about lots of stuff—competition, relationships, winning and losing, addiction, dedication—but it’s really not about anything. Safdie simply made a tribute to someone he admires because he wants us to appreciate that person, too.

I wasn’t even really sure what the point of The Smashing Machine was until Safdie ended it by telling us. Text cards say that today MMA athletes can earn millions while being known around the world. That’s only possible because of the forgotten pioneers of the sport who put themselves through hell for very little. The Smashing Machine exists to tell us a nice man named Mark Kerr was one of those people and we should know his name.

Mission accomplished, The Smashing Machine. I know Mark Kerr’s name. Maybe if I knew anything else about him after seeing this movie, it might have also accomplished the mission of delivering a great film. Maybe then I wouldn’t be far more interested in seeing how he dealt with the events of this movie than what this movie showed. Yeah, I left wishing I saw what would essentially be this movie’s sequel way more than what I’d just seen. Because what I’d just seen was a well-disguised, hollow hagiography hiding behind a great Dwayne Johnson performance.

The Smashing Machine hits theaters on October 3.

The Smashing Machine ⭐ (3 of 5)

The post THE SMASHING MACHINE Is Hagiography Hiding Behind Dwayne Johnson’s Great Performance appeared first on Nerdist.

https://blackgirlnerds.com/why-black-women-should-take-a-travel-sabbatical/

Paid time off are the three words every employee wants to hear. Hustle control has warped our minds into thinking that we must work non-stop. There is a term in the travel industry called a “travel sabbatical”.

Yet the purpose of life isn’t to work. That’s not to say you can’t find fulfillment in work, but a career shouldn’t be all-consuming. For those who believe in taking time off work and breaking away from the grind, taking a travel sabbatical might be your next career move. 

Especially if you’re a Black woman.

What is a travel sabbatical?

A typical sabbatical is common with educational institutes such as universities when a professor takes an extended time away to travel, do research, or teach at a university abroad. A travel sabbatical is the same concept; an employee takes a break from work to pursue other interests such as travel.

Unlike quitting your job to travel, during a sabbatical, you are still employed, but you’re not expected to come into the office or fulfill your regular duties. Remember those pupil-free days you had when you were a kid? A sabbatical is like that but for a longer time, usually around 3 to 6 months, but the length depends on the person. 

Five reasons to take a sabbatical

There are certain benefits that Black women can gain from packing a suitcase and catching a flight. Let’s get into it. 

1. Freedom

Kathy Hampton, founder and creator of WellSide Retreats, took a four-month sabbatical and said that her number one reason was for freedom. 

The concept of freedom is a strong theme in the Black community. Our ancestors fought for it, and now we have the power to reshape what freedom means to us as Black women. In this case, freedom can mean breaking away from the restraints of a job, waking up when you want, setting your schedule, being spontaneous, and going through life a little lighter.

2. Experience life without the societal pressures and tension of the United States

While I haven’t taken a travel sabbatical, I did move abroad to Spain and learned something about the work culture in the States. It can be toxic. People from other areas, such as Latin America and Europe, fully disconnect when they finish their work day — a sense of liberation I never felt in the States because I was constantly taking my work home with me. This is something I saw my mother do as well. It’s like the concept of homework continued after graduating. 

This is the toxic aspect of work culture in the United States, as it can be all-consuming. A constant focus on work can lead to burnout. Long-term burnout can lead to insomnia, depression, or other illnesses. Taking a travel sabbatical can take you out of a toxic work environment. 

Shar Wynter, founder, and CEO of Xpat, Inc., wrote to BGN and accurately expressed the need for Black women to take a sabbatical. She stated, “You can’t heal in the same environment that made you sick, so I think for many Black women, traveling is an essential part of our sabbatical process as it allows us to unplug from toxic environments and decompress in a safe space.”

3. Witness another way of life

Although the United States is a melting pot of different cultures, many people have assimilated into the American way of life regardless of their cultural background. This means that the cultures we see in America are a small window into the cultures and people around the world.  

Hampton mentioned that she took a sabbatical from her job and career to understand what she was missing. “I traveled and visited a small part of the world. I also got to see where I might want to live before retiring.”

4. An opportunity  to explore other passions 

I’m not sure about you, but I become more adventurous whenever I travel. I want to try different foods, climb mountains, dance with strangers, etc. Being in a new environment, surrounded by new people, can help you bring out different sides of your personality. It allows you to try new things and discover interesting parts of life because the opportunity is readily available. 

As someone who danced while growing up in the States, I can confidently say that my experience dancing while traveling and being abroad has completely changed how I feel in my body. While traveling, I’ve taken salsa, bachata, kizomba, flamenco, and champeta dance classes. Discovering different styles of dance opened me up to new rhythms and cultures. 

5. You can come back recharged or set your life on a new path

If you’re not quite happy with your job, you’re probably thinking about jumping on a plane tomorrow. But what if you like your job but are feeling a little burnt out? You might be wondering if a sabbatical is right for you. The answer is yes. 

There are two main benefits of travel sabbatical. One is the opportunity for rest. If you take a sabbatical focused on rest, you can return to your job refreshed and refocused. 

The second benefit of a travel sabbatical is the cultural emergence or exploration. You’re bound to learn something you can take back and apply to your career. Maybe you learn a different language, understand different management styles, or even explore how to work and collaborate across different cultures. 

Tips for going on a sabbatical 

Now, let’s take this article from theory into practice. Here are some steps you can take to start your sabbatical process.

• Check employee handbooks, manuals, or other material to see if your job has a policy on sabbaticals.
• Talk to others who have been on a sabbatical. Perhaps you know someone at your job who took a sabbatical; if not, you can reach out to people online.
• Be prepared: Before asking your boss, make sure you have a solid reason why they should grant you a sabbatical. Ultimately, you should show that your time away benefits not only you but also the company.
• Have a plan to cover your responsibilities. If you have a plan for how your work can be covered in your absence, your boss might be more inclined to grant you the time off.
• A closed mouth doesn’t get fed. At the end of the day, having a conversation can lead to a yes. Keep in mind that these conversations don’t have to be one-and-done; they can happen over a period of time. 
• Get support. If you feel completely overwhelmed by starting the process, there is a whole network of women you can reach out to for support. The Exodus Summit is one example of an event where you can find other women who have taken or are about to start their sabbatical.

I will end this article with the cliche saying that life is short, and most people don’t regret not working enough but regret working too much. Taking a sabbatical may be the right thing to do for your career and life.  

The post Why Black Women Should Take a Travel Sabbatical  appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

https://www.blackenterprise.com/park-100-summer-social-emerging-atl/

Atlanta knows how to close out summer, and on Aug. 29, Emerging 100 ATL proved it once again with their annual Park 100 Summer Social. By early evening, hundreds of young professionals dressed in their finest “derby chic” cocktail attire had descended on Park Tavern’s tented patio overlooking Piedmont Park, filling the space with a palpable mix of ambition, style, and joy.

The night was alive with energy. Guests clinked glasses of prosecco under string lights, danced shoulder to shoulder when the DJs spun Frankie Beverly, and paused at photo activations to capture the moment. At one point, the entire floor moved as one, stepping into the Electric Slide—a reminder that Atlanta’s Black professional community knows how to work hard, but also how to gather and celebrate one another in rhythm.

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A post shared by Emerging 100 of Atlanta (@emerging100atl)

The evening also felt like the continuation of Issa Rae’s Atlanta residency. Just days before the multi-hyphenate had graced the stage at InvestFest. Rae returned two weeks later to pack the Coca-Cola Roxy for a stop on her book tour. At the Park 100 Summer Social, her presence came through Viarae Prosecco, the sparkling wine she launched in 2023, which served as the event’s exclusive partner.

“I never wanted Viarae to just be another product on the shelf,” Rae said. “For me, it’s about creating experiences that feel rooted in culture, joy, and celebration, and Atlanta really knows how to bring that energy to life.”

Her sentiment came alive in real time. A Viarae-powered portrait station encouraged guests to step in front of the camera with confidence, while the branded specialty bar served up flutes that kept conversations flowing. The photo wall became a hub for group shots and impromptu reunions, a visual record of a night to be remembered.

Rae has been vocal about wanting her brand to center Black joy. In a recent Instagram post, she spoke about creating spaces where celebration isn’t an afterthought but the centerpiece. At Park 100, that ethos was evident in every laugh, every raised glass, every snapshot under the glow of the tent.

Beyond the fashion and the fun, the Park 100 Summer Social carries a mission. As the marquee fundraiser for Emerging 100 ATL, the event supports the organization’s work in mentoring and awarding scholarships to youth across the city. That purpose is what elevates the evening beyond networking — it’s a direct investment back into Atlanta’s future.

Daniel Farr, President of the Emerging 100 Atlanta Executive Board, underscored the importance of Viarae’s involvement. “Huge thank you to Issa Rae and Viarae Wines for pouring into the Emerging 100 of Atlanta and our mission,” Farr said under a post about the brand partnership on the organization’s social media page. “Your support helps us continue to invest in the next generation of leaders right here in our city. We are grateful for our partnership and the confidence in our work. Cheers to the future.”

It was a moment of gratitude that reflected the duality of the night: the celebration in the tent, and the lives outside of it that will benefit from the funds raised.

Of course, no Atlanta gathering is complete without the right music. DJ Reese, DJ P Forreal, and Mashup Sessions featuring DJ Unruley & Canterbury Tales kept the energy high, blending hip-hop, R&B, and Afro-beats that had the crowd bouncing from start to finish. At one point, the bass line shook the tent while the breeze off Piedmont Park cooled overheated dancers — Atlanta’s nightlife and its natural backdrop colliding perfectly.

By the end of the night, as the last portraits were snapped and the final flutes of prosecco were raised, the significance of the evening was undeniable. This was more than a party—it was a showcase of Atlanta’s next generation of Black leadership in action.

With Issa Rae’s Viarae Prosecco elevating the evening and Emerging 100 steering the mission, the Park 100 Summer Social captured what Atlanta does best: bringing people together to uplift, to celebrate, and to shine.

RELATED CONTENT: Issa Rae Sees Her ‘Impulsivity’ As ‘A Gift And A Curse’ After Almost Losing It All

https://blackgirlnerds.com/weapons-director-confirms-aunt-gladys-prequel-movie-what-it-means-for-the-franchise/

The world of horror cinema thrives on lore, mystery, and unexpected expansions, and the Weapons franchise is quickly proving it belongs among the genre’s most intriguing newcomers. The 2025 horror hit Weapons, directed by Zach Cregger, stunned audiences with its haunting blend of psychological terror and razor-sharp social commentary. Now, with the director confirming an Aunt Gladys prequel movie, fans have a reason to both celebrate and speculate. The announcement opens doors for deeper storytelling and addresses lingering questions left unanswered in the first film.

When Weapons was released, audiences were immediately hooked by its mix of raw suspense and disturbing family dynamics. Central to the narrative was the enigmatic figure of Aunt Gladys played by Amy Madigan, a character whose shadow loomed large even when she wasn’t directly on-screen. Her presence shaped the backstory of several protagonists and set the stage for the generational trauma that fueled much of the horror. Though Weapons provided fragments of her past — whispers, flashbacks, and unsettling anecdotes — it deliberately withheld the full picture. That ambiguity became part of the film’s unsettling charm, leaving viewers with a gnawing sense that Gladys had secrets far darker than anyone imagined.

The prequel promises to fill in those gaps. By centering Aunt Gladys, the narrative can peel back the layers of mystery and reveal how her choices and experiences created the foundation for the horrors of Weapons. For fans, this is not just exciting— it’s essential. Prequels in horror franchises can sometimes risk over-explaining, but in this case, Aunt Gladys’s unexplored history is a natural entry point. It offers both a new story and a way to make sense of what came before, enhancing rather than diminishing the terror.

From a franchise perspective, the announcement signals that Weapons is not a one-off phenomenon. Like The Conjuring franchise or Insidious, it is poised to build a connected cinematic universe where each installment deepens the mythology. The Aunt Gladys film could very well act as the franchise’s Annabelle, a character-focused expansion that enriches the larger narrative tapestry. What’s unique here is that Aunt Gladys is not a demonic doll or faceless specter, but a human character whose actions ripple across generations. Exploring her past means Weapons is doubling down on its psychological themes, suggesting the horror comes not only from supernatural forces but also from the human capacity for cruelty, secrecy, and manipulation.

For those who left Weapons with questions, this prequel may provide much-needed clarity. Why was Aunt Gladys’ influence so pervasive? What happened in her youth that gave rise to the twisted dynamics portrayed in the original film? Were her actions born of survival, revenge, or sheer malice? The prequel has the chance to answer these lingering mysteries, grounding the mythology while still leaving room for new scares. At the same time, it could introduce new characters, settings, and subplots that expand the universe beyond what fans initially expected.

However, the decision also comes with high stakes. Audiences often fall in love with what is not said, with the gaps their imagination fills. Over-explaining Aunt Gladys’ past could diminish the terror if handled too neatly. What made her such a compelling figure in Weapons was the suggestion that she embodied something larger than herself, a symbol of generational guilt and inherited violence. The challenge for Cregger and his creative team will be to balance revelation with restraint, offering insight without stripping away the dread of uncertainty.

Still, the timing feels right. In an era where horror franchises thrive on expanded lore and spin-offs, Weapons is wisely seizing its moment. The confirmation of the Aunt Gladys prequel not only extends the franchise’s lifespan but also reaffirms its commitment to ambitious storytelling. If the first film was about the consequences of silence and hidden histories, then the prequel promises to bring those buried truths into the light. Whether it leaves audiences with more answers or more questions remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Aunt Gladys is stepping out of the shadows, and the Weapons franchise will never be the same.

The post ‘Weapons’ Director Confirms Aunt Gladys Prequel Movie: What It Means for the Franchise appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.