Revolutionary Machine Unleashed

Whether or not you'll enjoy The Machine largely depends on your appreciation for Bert Kreischer's brand of comedy. Known for his rapid-fire confessional stand-up, Kreischer's style may not be for everyone. However, for those who find him funny, they'll be in for a treat with this film.

Director Peter Atencio has a wealth of experience working with comedians, having directed every episode of the beloved sketch comedy series Key & Peele. The screenplay was written by Kevin Biegel, co-creator of Cougar Town, and Scotty Landes, who penned the screenplay for Blumhouse's Ma. Legendary Entertainment acquired the rights to Kreischer's classic routine in 2019, laying the foundation for this project.

Bert Kreischer's rise to comedic fame is legendary in the stand-up world. As a sixth-year undergrad at Florida State University in the late 90s, he experienced the school's notorious party scene firsthand. Rolling Stone even granted him the same honor that year. While a film about his life fell through, it ultimately led to the creation of the cult classic, Van Wilder. Fast forward to 2016, and Kreischer's career was already in full swing when he released a Showtime special that would change everything. The story of his encounter with the Russian mob went viral, propelling him to new heights of success. Traditionally, a network might have given him a sitcom that would fizzle out, but in today's Hollywood, he was given the opportunity to star in The Machine.

The Machine is a self-aware film that knows exactly what it is. While the plot may be predictable, it allows for plenty of humor, action, and family drama. Despite being led by newcomers to the genre, the action scenes are surprisingly enjoyable. Bert Kreischer, playing a fictionalized version of himself, is authentic in his role, delivering some Jackie Chan-esque comedic fight scenes. Jimmy Tatro is a standout as young Bert, and Mark Hamill shines as Albert Sr. However, the film's secret weapon is Iva Babić as Irina. She is a compelling and charming villain with a driving force in the narrative. The cast is just one of the many ways in which The Machine exceeds expectations.

The film's thematic elements revolve around the titular performer, Bert. The narrative alters his relationships with his wife, children, and self-image, but still contains sharp truths. The accusations of Kreischer faking his stand-up stories are directly addressed through his father's downplaying in the first act, and are later played out in vivid detail. Flashback sequences reveal that young Bert's jokes were shameless references to popular American films that hadn't yet reached Russia. The playful sexism in his jokes is juxtaposed with Irina's story of killing dozens to be taken seriously. These obstacles are framed as daggers, as if Bert wanted to address every concern in his one opportunity to make a film. The Machine is a film not only for fans, but also for the haters.