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Few things scream "family bonding" like getting kidnapped by the Russian mob. In Sony's The Machine (2023), that's exactly what happens (more or less). Based on the viral story from comedian Bert Kreischer, The Machine chronicles his drunken trip to Russia during college. Over twenty years later, that trip catches up to him when he and his estranged father Albert (Mark Hamill) are kidnapped due to something Bert allegedly did. So, caught in a battle with a dangerous crime family, Bert and his father retrace young Bert's (Jimmy Tatro) steps, all while attempting to work on their relationship with each other. The Machine was written by Kevin Biegel (Cougar Town) and Scotty Landes (Ma), with Peter Atencio (Key and Peele) as the director. Bert Kreischer and his wife LeeAnn Kreischer produced the feature with Atencio, Judi Marmel, and Cale Boyter. It was executive produced by Jay Ashenfelter and Philip Waley. Alongside Bert Kreischer, Tatro, and Hamill, The Machine stars Iva Babič, Stephanie Kurtzuba, Jess Gabor, Martyn Ford, Mercedes De La Cruz, Robert Maaser, and Amelie Child Villiers.
If you're planning to live vicariously through Bert Kreischer and his Russian adventures, we've compiled all relevant information on The Machine's initial theatrical release date, streaming status, DVD/Blu-ray release, and more. So here's where you can watch The Machine.
Editor's Note: This article was updated on September 23, 2023.
The Machine (2023)
Bert's drunken past catches up with him 20 years down the road when he and his father are kidnapped by those Bert wronged 20 years ago while drunk on a college semester abroad in Russia.
- Director
- Peter Atencio
- Cast
- Mark Hamill , Stephanie Kurtzuba , Jimmy Tatro , Bert Kreischer
- Main Genre
- Action
Is 'The Machine' Available on Netflix?
Yes, as of today, September 23, The Machine is now available to stream for Netflix subscribers. The film falls under a deal between Netflix and Sony which gives the former the streaming rights to the latter's films after their theatrical and VOD windows have ended. The Machine will join other recent Sony films on the service including The Pope's Exorcist, Big George Foreman, and 65, among others.
Is 'The Machine' Available on VOD?
Yes, The Machine is now available to rent and purchase on VOD. You can use the links below to find the film on the platform of your choice.
When Did 'The Machine' Come Out?
The Machine received a wide release beginning on May 26, 2023. The film shared a release date with a number of big hitters, including Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey, Kandahar starring Gerard Butler, and About My Father starring Robert De Niro and Sebastian Maniscalco. Other movies playing in theaters during the same time frame included Fast X, Book Club: The Next Chapter, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, among others.
Is 'The Machine' Still in Movie Theaters?
Unfortunately, no. Though The Machine did debut exclusively in theaters across the United States, the film is no longer playing in cinemas. That's understandable considering the amount of time that has passed since its premiere but fret not, there are more ways to watch this movie.
Will 'The Machine' Be Released on DVD and Blu-ray?
The Machine was released on DVD and Blu-ray on August 15, 2023. As you might expect, the physical media release comes with plenty of special features, including featurettes titled "Bert’s Big Bash – Premiere Party", "The Making of The Machine", "The Cast of The Machine", and "Bert, Bruised & Brawlin’: The Action of The Machine", as well as outtakes, bloopers, and deleted scenes. You can use the links below to purchase the film at your preferred retailer.
Watch the Trailer for 'The Machine'
The above trailer for The Machine debuted on February 23, teasing a rowdy and hilarious ride. The trailer begins with a brief rundown of the real story behind the feature. Bert Kreischer mentions how he became involved with the Russian mafia when he was only 22 years old. We then see a young Bert (Jimmy Tatro) on his class trip to Russia, set in 1999. After a warning to NOT speak with his guide Igor, Bert does exactly that, only knowing how to say "I am the machine" in Russian. And, for added pizzazz, actual footage from Kreischer's trip parallels that of the fictional Bert. Things take a tonal shift as the trailer heads to the present day. Bert (played by himself) seems to live a nice life—minus the tense relationship with his father Albert (Mark Hamill), who isn't at all impressed with Bert's romp through Russia. But luckily—or, rather unluckily—Albert will get to experience Russia for himself when the mafia comes looking for "The Machine," who supposedly stole a cherished heirloom from a dangerous mob boss 23 years ago. The second half of the trailer teases a hectic, action-fueled ride for Bert and Albert, who try their best to make it out alive. And there may even be some father-son bonding finally happening in earnest.
More Movies Like 'The Machine' That You Can Watch Right Now
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022) - The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent isn't really based on a true story, but its hilariously meta premise earns the film its spot on the list. Also an action-comedy, the movie follows a fictionalized version of the legendary Nicolas Cage, aka Nick. In it, Nick is a movie star who gains a tempting invite to the birthday party of a dangerous superfan named Javi (Pedro Pascal). However, his life takes a wild and unexpected turn when a CIA agent (Tiffany Hadish) recruits Nick to tap into his most iconic characters to save himself and those closest to him.
War Dogs (2016) - Loosely based on a true story, War Dogs follows David Packouz (Miles Teller) and Efraim Diveroli (Jonah Hill), two 20-somethings who win a multi-million dollar contract from the Pentagon. They didn't immediately gain the contract, though, first starting small through a government initiative few people knew about. As they keep bringing in more and more money, David and Efraim get comfortable in their new lavish lifestyles. However, they get more than they bargained for when they land the $300 million deal, involving them with some unsavory people.
The Nice Guys (2016) - Set in the 1970s, The Nice Guys unites Holland March (Ryan Gosling), a private detective, and "leg-breaker" Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe) on a puzzling case. Together, they work to find a missing girl while solving what initially seems to be the unrelated death of a porn star. However, the deeper into their investigation they get, they soon uncover a conspiracy that reaches into the highest echelons of Los Angeles.