In the film The Machine, stand-up comedian Bert Kreischer portrays a fictionalized version of himself. He and his father, Albert (Mark Hamill), become embroiled in a conflict with the Russian mafia, stemming from an incident that occurred two decades prior. Their mission: to recover a valuable watch against a ticking clock. The challenge is amplified by Bert’s compromised state at the time of the watch’s theft.
Many stand-up comedians employ a unique gimmick to distinguish themselves. Ron White is known for his affinity for Whiskey, Jimmy Carr for his distinctive laugh, and Bert Kreischer for his signature act of removing his shirt to reveal his, shall we say, less-than-sculpted physique. I had not previously felt compelled to explore his numerous Netflix specials or his TV series, The Cabin with Bert Kreischer. However, after listening to a podcast featuring Mark Hamill discussing his role in The Machine, my curiosity was piqued, solely for Hamill’s involvement.
The Machine is based on a real-life event experienced by Bert Kreischer during his time as an exchange student in Russia. Initially hesitant to share the story in his stand-up routines due to his less-than-favorable portrayal, the incident involved Kreischer’s participation, alongside Russian criminals, in robbing passengers on a train during a night of heavy revelry. He also admitted to robbing his own classmates. Once the story surfaced, it proved to be a resounding success, forming the bedrock of Kreischer’s subsequent career.
The Machine presents a “what if” scenario where the Russians Kreischer robbed prove to be formidable adversaries seeking retribution for a mistakenly stolen item. The act of an individual portraying themselves on screen often presents a risk, frequently resulting in either a caricature of idiocy or an unrealistically idealized portrayal. Kreischer tends toward the former, which can feel strained at times. Despite this, the film offers redeeming moments, largely due to Mark Hamill’s masterful performance, which prevents the film from becoming entirely unpalatable. The action sequences are engaging and well-executed. My viewing experience was perhaps enhanced by my lack of familiarity with Kreischer’s stand-up persona, allowing me to perceive him solely as a character within the film, which proved beneficial.
The Blu-ray edition delivers a solid visual experience in 1080p, exhibiting good contrast and color reproduction. Audio is presented in 5.1 DTS, which is perfectly adequate, delivering impactful sound when necessary and emphasizing the front channels due to the film’s dialogue-heavy nature. The disc includes a wealth of bonus content, featuring deleted scenes, bloopers, and a behind-the-scenes documentary. As with the film itself, enjoyment of the bonus material may depend on your appreciation for Kreischer’s stand-up comedy.
In conclusion, I found the movie to be entertaining and humorous. For enthusiasts of Kreischer’s stand-up comedy, the film will likely prove even more enjoyable. However, those with an aversion to Kreischer’s style may find the movie exceedingly difficult to endure.
SF Studios provided review copies for this assessment. Provision of materials does not influence our editorial objectivity; our reviews remain independent and focused on the interests of our readers and consumers.
