Directed by Peter Atencio, ‘The Machine’ has been a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike. But does it live up to its source material, and more importantly, is it worth your time and money? Let’s find out.
What ‘The Machine’ is About?
‘The Machine’ is rooted in a 2016 stand-up routine by Bert Kreischer, which gained popularity online. Its viral success caught the attention of Legendary Entertainment, which acquired the rights to adapt Kreischer’s real-life story into a feature film in September 2018.
The film brings viewers back to 1999, when a college freshman, Bert Kreischer, embarks on a trip to Russia. A night of uninhibited revelry earns him the moniker ‘The Machine’ and cements his status in Russian folklore.
Fast forward twenty-three years, and Bert has turned this tale into a comedy special that takes the internet by storm. Among familial tensions, an unforeseen reunion with his estranged father, and the wrath of a Russian mobster seeking vengeance, Bert’s past adventures come back to haunt him.
Is ‘The Machine’ Worth Watching?
Critical consensus hasn’t been kind to ‘The Machine.’ Rotten Tomatoes reports a mere 33% approval rating from 24 critics, with an average score of 4.40/10. IMDb, on the other hand, assigned a score of 5.8 out of 10.
As for our opinion, ‘The Machine’ is a polarizing film, one that might appeal to Kreischer’s fans but struggles to cast a wider net. It tries to stretch a stand-up bit into a feature-length narrative but lacks in consistent humor. It also has an uneven pacing with some funny moments scattered across the story.
So, for those unfamiliar with Kreischer’s comedy, the film might not hold the same appeal. If you’re not a fan of the comedian, you may pass ‘The Machine,’ but if you like his comedy, you may want to check this film out.
Watch the trailer below.
