It has been one of the biggest flops of the cinema year in Germany: The action comedy “The Machine” with comedian Bert Kreischer and Mark Hamill has attracted almost no one in the halls in this country. Now the flick is available by subscription on Netflix.
“The Machine” was released in German cinemas on May 25, 2023. How? You guys don’t remember that? That may be because the film has hardly been shown in any auditorium, despite “Star Wars” icon Mark Hamill. Just 221 (!) paying viewers* saw the action-comedy in this country in the first and only week the film was in German theaters – a disastrous result.
This should come as little surprise, however, because podcaster and stand-up comedian Bert Kreischer, who likes to play his shows topless from time to time, is filming one of his most famous stories here. What might have drawn the Bert Kreischer ultras into the cinemas in the U.S. was met with a weary shrug of the shoulders here in Germany, because no one here really knows the comedian and his stage routines.
Now you can see for yourself whether the film’s failure was justified, because “The Machine” is available for download on Netflix starting today, October 25, 2023.
And the action comedy is definitely worth a look – if only for Mark Hamill. The Luke Skywalker actor already proves to be an absolute scene-stealer in the roughly two-minute trailer. With an enormous joy in the role, the Hollywood veteran already plays Bert Kreischer effortlessly up against the wall here. Yes, even the actual star of the film doesn’t stand a chance against a Mark Hamill as a lovably grumpy grandpa on speed.
AND THAT’S WHAT “THE MACHINE “
IS ALL ABOUT.
Bert Kreischer (playing himself) has had enough of his self-created stage image as “The Machine” by now. Yet the story is still his most successful routine, which his audience keeps calling for. In it, the comedian tells how he got his nickname. It’s a wild robbery tale about how he accidentally helped the Russian mafia rob a train during his student days.
But not much is left of the former machine. In the meantime, he leads a contemplative life and his muscles have disappeared under a cozy belly. When his estranged father (Mark Hamill) suddenly shows up and doesn’t leave a good mark on the comedian’s lifestyle, Bert has had enough. But things are about to get much worse.
23 years after the events described in the anecdote, the Russian mafia suddenly appears at his door and kidnaps him and his father to Russia. Here he is to pay for his deeds. In order to escape from the clutches of the gangsters, Bernd Kreischer must once again switch to “Machine” mode.
