The Machine – Film Review

The past comes back to haunt Bert Kreischer when a murderous mobster tries to kidnap him to atone for his crimes. With help from his estranged father, Bert must retrace the steps of his younger self as a sociopathic crime family goes to war.

The Machine, directed by Peter Atencio, is a film that struggles to find its identity throughout its runtime. It frequently oscillates between attempting to be a high-octane action extravaganza and a raunchy comedy, but unfortunately, the two disparate tones fail to blend cohesively, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience.

One aspect worth noting is Bert Kreischer‘s performance as the lead character, portraying himself. Kreischer delivers a solid performance, staying true to his comedic style. However, it’s not particularly remarkable or groundbreaking. If you’re a fan of Kreischer’s work as a stand-up comedian, you’ll likely find enjoyment in seeing him continue to showcase his signature brand of humor in this film. However, for those unfamiliar with his comedic style, his performance may come across as formulaic and lacking depth.

While The Machine does have its moments of humor, they are overshadowed by its overall forgettable nature. The film often feels lifeless, lacking the necessary energy and vitality to truly engage its audience. It doesn’t reach the level of being offensively bad, but it fails to leave a lasting impression. The humor, while present, lacks the cleverness and wit needed to make it memorable. The comedic timing often falls flat, resulting in jokes that elicit only mild chuckles, quickly fading from memory.

One redeeming factor of The Machine lies in its inclusion of great cameos. These appearances inject moments of excitement and surprise into the film, momentarily reinvigorating the viewer’s interest. These cameos offer a glimmer of hope that the movie might find its footing and deliver on its potential. However, they are fleeting moments in an otherwise lackluster narrative.

The film’s biggest downfall is its identity crisis. It struggles to establish a consistent tone, wavering between an action-packed spectacle and a raunchy comedy. This inconsistency hinders the overall cohesion of the story, leaving the viewer feeling disconnected and unsure of what to expect next. The action sequences, while competently executed, feel forced and out of place in the context of the comedic elements. Likewise, the comedic moments often feel shoehorned in and disrupt the flow of the narrative. The clash of these two tones creates an uncomfortable viewing experience that prevents the film from reaching its full potential.

Furthermore, The Machine lacks a compelling and well-developed plot. The story feels predictable and formulaic, offering few surprises or moments of genuine intrigue. The narrative arc follows a predictable trajectory, adhering closely to the conventions of the action-comedy genre. As a result, the film fails to provide a fresh and engaging storyline that captivates the audience.

Visually, The Machine is serviceable but unremarkable. The cinematography and production design do little to elevate the overall quality of the film. While there are some well-executed action sequences, they are not enough to compensate for the film’s lackluster storytelling and inconsistent tone.

The Machine struggles to find its footing and suffers from an identity crisis. The attempt to blend high-octane action with raunchy comedy falls short, resulting in a disjointed and forgettable experience. Bert Kreischer’s performance is solid but offers nothing exceptional. While the film has its moments of humor, it ultimately feels relatively lifeless. The inclusion of great cameos is a positive aspect, injecting brief moments of excitement. However, these cameo appearances are not enough to salvage a narrative that lacks cohesiveness and fails to leave a lasting impact. Overall, The Machine is a mediocre film that falls short of its potential.