DVD Corner

The Machine Blu-ray Review

“The Machine” wears out its welcome quickly. 

Based on the comedy routine by frequently shirtless stand-up comedian/frat party man Bert Kreischer, “The Machine” is a meta action-comedy. Bert Kreischer plays himself here as a comedian who is having issues with his family due to his wild lifestyle. His wild man days come back to haunt him when a Russian mafia member (Irina) kidnaps Bert and his father (Albert). You see, in the 90’s during his college days, Bert became involved with the Russian Mafia on a college trip to Russia where several items were stolen on a train. One of those items is a pocket watch that Irina is seeking. Now, Bert has to retrace his past in Russia in order to find it. If he doesn’t, his daughter’s life could be in serious jeopardy. 

Movies about stand-up or stand-up comedy rarely ever work and “The Machine” is no exception. Director Peter Atencio and writers Kevin Biegel and Scotty Landes attempt to spice up Kreischer’s popular story with a cinematic action-adventure and a heartfelt father-son tale, but at the end of the day, it’s a one-joke movie that just isn’t funny. It doesn’t help that the film runs a needlessly long 112 minutes. There’s no reason for a comedy to be that long. With that said, if you’re a Kreischer fan, you may enjoy his hijinks here involving bloody fight scenes and pop-culture references.

Bert Kreischer makes his big screen debut here and, well, it shows. His inexperience as an actor is evident throughout especially when paired with a legend like Mark Hamill. Speaking of which, Hamill certainly does his best here. He manages to have chemistry with Kreischer even when the comedian struggles to carry his own movie. The real scene-stealer though is Iva Babic as Irina. She’s a total bad-ass who really excels in the action department. Don’t be shocked if she starts appearing in more movies from here on out. Excellent casting to be sure.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. Grade: A-

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Grade: A-

Extras:
* Digital copy
* Sony trailers
* “Bert’s Big Bash”- Nearly 16 minutes from the live stream premiere event.
* 2 ½ minutes of outtakes and bloopers and 4 deleted scenes.
* “Bert, Bruised And Brawlin’: The Action Of The Machine”- A behind-the-scenes look at the stunt and action scenes.
* “The Making Of The Machine” featurette with interviews, set footage and discussions about the project.
* “The Cast Of The Machine” covers the direction and the cast.

August 13, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Action-Comedy, Bert Kreischer, Comedy, Mark Hamill, The Machine Blu-ray Review