The Machine (2023 film)

The Machine is a 2023 American action comedy film directed by Peter Atencio and starring Bert Kreischer and Mark Hamill. The film is loosely based on Kreischer's stand-up routine "The Machine," which recounts a story from his college days involving Russian mobsters during a study abroad trip in Russia.

The plot follows Bert Kreischer, now a middle-aged father, who is confronted by his past when he and his estranged father (Hamill) are kidnapped by the vengeful family of a man Bert supposedly wronged 20 years prior in Russia. Forced to relive his wild youth and confront the consequences of his actions, Bert must team up with his father to navigate the dangerous situation and survive.

The film aims to blend action sequences with comedic elements, drawing humor from the clash between Bert's present-day persona and the outrageous antics of his younger self. It explores themes of family reconciliation, confronting one's past, and the enduring power of legendary (and often exaggerated) stories. While inspired by Kreischer's stand-up routine, the film takes significant creative liberties and expands upon the original anecdote.