R-Rated Action Comedy Box Office Bomb Finds New Audience On Netflix

The road to Kreischer becoming an action movie star isn’t exactly a textbook example of film production. In 2019, Kreischer’s stand-up routine was acquired by Legendary Entertainment with the goal of developing a feature-length film. Screenwriters Kevin Biegel and Scotty Landes were then brought aboard to adapt Kreischer’s material into a screenplay.

The task of turning a collection of jokes and personal anecdotes wasn’t exactly the easiest challenge for Biegel and Landes. But with Kreischer’s stand-up routine becoming a viral sensation, the challenge was worth the reward. In May 2023, The Machine hit theaters with the hopes of cashing in on Kreischer’s rising popularity.

The film tells the story of a young Bert Kreischer, played by Tatro, as a college freshman on a trip to Russia. Over the course of one particularly rowdy night out, Kreischer is given the nickname “The Machine” thanks to his partying abilities. 23 years later, a modern-day Kreischer recounts his Russian story during a comedy special.

Although Kreischer seems to be doing well, his personal life is becoming tattered. His relationship with his wife and daughter is becoming strained, and he is desperate for a chance to make things right. But while throwing a family party, Kreischer’s estranged father, played by Hamill, makes a surprise appearance.

But wait, if that’s enough drama for one family gathering, a Russian gangster named Irina also crashes the party, only she’s not there for the cake. After some tense moments, Irina forces Kreischer and his father to fly to Russia to make amends for an incident that Kreischer caused back in college. With their lives in jeopardy, the father and son must do what it takes to get home safely.

Despite the hopes of The Machine finding success, the film became a box office bomb almost immediately. The action comedy made just $5 million on its opening weekend. After all was said and done, the movie collected just over $10.5 million at the worldwide box office.

The film’s box office chances were possibly doomed from the start. Even though Kreischer has obtained a dedicated fanbase of millions of followers across social media, the comic simply lacks the marketability of similar stars. Although the movie failed to strike box office gold, it still delivered what his fans expected.

REVIEW SCORE

The Machine was never going to win awards or become the next Hollywood blockbuster. It’s a flick that knows its audience and knows what they want to see. There are plenty of disgusting jokes, and the violence doesn’t hold any punches, either.

Even better, Kreischer is often seen in the film without his shirt, a sight that his fans have become accustomed to seeing. Is he the next Sylvester Stallone or Jason Statham? Probably not, but Kreischer has a blast trying his best.

The Machine isn’t a perfect movie by any metric. But if you know what to expect and love Kreischer’s brand of humor, then this film, streaming now on Netflix, will give you what you want.