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The Machine

The Machine

To be a hero, it takes a lot of gut.

2023112 minRMidcredits score: 33rd percentile of all films
Director
Peter Atencio
Starring
Bert Kreischer, Mark Hamill, Jimmy Tatro, Stephanie Kurtzuba

Bert Kreischer faces a familial crisis and the arrival of his estranged father when the ghost of his booze-soaked past arrives: a murderous mobster hellbent on kidnapping Bert back to the motherland to atone for his crimes. Together, he and his father must retrace the steps of his younger self in the midst of a war between a sociopathic crime family while they attempt to find common ground.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Machine?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Machine streaming on Hulu and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Machine?

The Machine earns 4 badges, led by Box Office Flop and Fun.

  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Machine worth watching?

The Machine's Midcredits score is the 33rd percentile of all films, from 49K ratings across 6 sources. 42% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

33rd percentile

Better received than 33% of films

48th percentile among Action34th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)26th
Approval (how many liked it)41st

54 /100

26th percentile of all films

40th percentile among Action28th percentile among 2020s

Critics 37 · Audience 55

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.1 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

42% liked it

41st percentile of all films

55th percentile among Action42nd percentile among 2020s
42% rated it 7–1058% rated it 1–6

Critics 31% · Audience 86%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

80th percentile

49K ratings across platforms

68th percentile among Action80th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 25% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$20M
Opening weekend$5M
Domestic gross$10M
Worldwide gross$11M

Returned 0.5× its budget — 59th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A loud, over-the-top, silly action comedy built around Kreischer's famous stand-up story.

Fans praised

  • Mark Hamill and Bert Kreischer have great comedic chemistry
  • Surprisingly fun and entertaining for a first-time actor's vehicle
  • Enjoyable action sequences balanced with heartfelt family moments

Detractors panned

  • Unfunny, forced humor with no genuine laughs
  • Poor acting, especially from Kreischer and Hamill's wasted talent
  • Overlong, poorly paced, and derivative plot

What stands out

Emotional impactDivisive45

Family drama feels forced and unearned for many

EndingDivisive45

Final act more action-heavy and satisfying for fans

ActingDivisive40

Kreischer natural but unpolished as himself; Hamill underused; supporting cast hit-or-miss

HumorDivisive35

Mostly misses; few genuine laughs for non-fans

DialogueDivisive35

Some witty one-liners but mostly generic and forced

Characters35

Stereotypical Russian mob caricatures; Kreischer's character shallow

Plot and story30

Thin premise stretched to feature length; predictable and clichéd

Pacing30

First act slow; picks up in second half but still drags

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 7 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 9 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Machine like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It is funny, never lets up and leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
AbsurdThrillingTense
Heaviest: throughout
Absurdist humor: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Register
Absurdist · 7% of films: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.Playful
Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.
ToneThe film plays its outrageous premise and over-the-top violence with a knowingly absurd, playful stance.
The rideThe film maintains a consistent mix of absurd comedy and action-packed tension from start to finish.
StructureThe film uses flashbacks to Bert's college years to explain the present-day conflict, framed by his stand-up routine.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you entertained by the absurd action and comedy, with a hopeful note as Bert reconciles with his family.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% (this title) · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Redemption: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).

13% of films fit this archetype

with Comedy underneath

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeBert must redeem himself as a father and reconcile with his own father during a forced trip to Russia, with comedic action interludes.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Identity · 14% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeBert's estranged father and his own role as a father are central, and he must redeem himself by shedding his party-guy persona to reconnect with his family.
StanceThe film neutrally presents family bonds under strain and Bert's redemption without moralizing; it observes rather than celebrates or satirizes.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanIn transitStylized realism
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Joseph Trapanese
SettingMoscow casinos, trains, and gangster hideouts; flashbacks to late-1990s Russia
MusicA driving, action-comedy score that blends orchestral elements with electronic beats to match the film's absurd tone.

Content guide

Is The Machine okay for kids?

R

The Machine is listed as R; the MPAA's rating reason reads “(Rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, drug use and some sexual references)”. As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (86/100), sexual content at mild (34/100), language at severe (89/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (65/100) and frightening material at moderate (50/100). Overall it is heavier than 76% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 12 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaMA 15+
  • Germany16
  • France16
  • Ireland15A
  • South Korea19
  • Belgium18
  • Denmark15
  • Israel16
  • PRR
  • RO15
  • Sweden15
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 86% of all filmsHeavier than 76% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 75%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 30%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 89%
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 83%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 32%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language, violence, and drug and alcohol content. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Machine have?

MovieCove's classifier found 2 depicted content warnings in The Machine: Addiction or relapse (moderate), plus 1 withheld here because it would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

ModerateAddiction or relapse

Cast and crew

Who is in The Machine?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Bert Kreischer
as Bert
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Mark Hamill
as Albert
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jimmy Tatro
as Young Bert
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Stephanie Kurtzuba
as LeeAnn
Nikola Djuricko
as Igor
Iva Babić
as Irina
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Martyn Ford
as Sponge
Robert Maaser
as Alexei
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Jess Gabor
as Sasha
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Oleg Taktarov
as Train Igor
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Machine?

Movies like The Machine include Keanu (2016), A Good Day to Die Hard (2013) and Mayday (2026). Of the 12 closest matches, most are action comedies, and several are films set in Russia and Central Asia.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

10 of these 12 share its world: the criminal underworld. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Machine?

2.2K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: action comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.