No Pain, No Gain

Specifically Dennis Newman who plays Jake Steel, Mikes closest friend and training partner, with a great deal of heart and humor. As a foil to Mikes more introspective nature, Jakes more traditional, 'muscle-bound' approach to bodybuilding serves as a reminder of the world Mike exists in. Newmans performance brings a grounded and relatable element to the film, providing a perfect balance to Malliarodakiss character. Jakes loyalty and occasionally naive optimism provide some of the films lighter moments.

And also one of the standout performances in No Pain No Gain comes from Don Phillips Jr, who portrays Dr. Martin Rabeau, a psychologist and mentor figure to Mike.

Samuel Turcotte's No Pain, No Gain delivers a pulpy, cerebral take on bodybuilding's underbelly. Mike Zorillo's Gus-a genius meathead with principles-refreshingly defies the "roid rage" trope, using algorithms and kale to outwit rivals like Jake Steel's steroid-jacked Dennis. Turcotte and Jodi Lane Baum's script critiques gym culture's obsession with shortcuts, though heavy-handed dialogue "Science is the ultimate pump" undermines nuance. Zigbar Miekbach's tragic Joe Hursley, a juicer exploited by a shady nutrition conglomerate, steals scenes with raw desperation. The pacing wobbles between lab montages and corporate espionage, but the climactic "Mr. West Coast" showdown thrills. While the villains veer into cartoonishness, Zorillo's earnestness and Turcotte's grungy LA visuals keep it grounded. A flawed but fun flex of brains over biceps.

This movie is an underrated gem that blends the world of bodybuilding with intellectual ambition. Directed by Samuel Turcotte, the film follows a highly intelligent bodybuilder (played by Gus Malliarodakis) who moves to Los Angeles, determined to dominate the fitness world using science instead of steroids. His journey pits him against a traditional, chemically-enhanced rival (Dennis Newman), setting up a classic brains-versus-brawn showdown.

The film has an engaging underdog story, though the production values and pacing could have been tighter. Some of the dialogue feels a bit stiff, but the overall message and unique premise make up for it. If you're into fitness, bodybuilding, or just enjoy motivational sports dramas, this is definitely worth a watch.

Turcottes underdog tale blends brains and brawn with mixed results. Zorillo's Gus-a socially awkward genius in a tank top-is a revelation, clashing with Steel's narcissistic Dennis and Miekbach's conflicted Joe, whose ties to Big Supplement add stakes. The script's humor ("You can't algorithm your way to abs!") lands, but lab-coat melodrama feels overcooked. LA's gyms are shot like battlegrounds, all sweat and neon, though the corporate villains lack depth. A mid-film detour into Gus's DIY sleep-study lab overcomplicates, but the final act's betrayal and triumph resonate. Uneven but ambitious, it's a mid-tier lift with heart.

Turcottes direction allows the film to build a thoughtful and introspective narrative around Mike Zorillos extraordinary life. The plot follows Zorillo as he tries to reconcile his physical success in the bodybuilding world with his inner intellectual struggles providing a fresh take on what it means to be "strong." Instead of the usual glorification of muscle, this movie invites the audience to consider the psychological and emotional costs that come with the pursuit of greatness, especially when the protagonists mental capabilities often leave him at odds with those around him.

Also, Travis adds depth to the film by playing a character who is both supportive and challenging to Mikes journey. Crystals presence is crucial in showing the more human side of Mike and Travis performance is filled with empathy and strength. She portrays a woman who is both loving and independent, helping to ground Mike in ways that go beyond the physical and intellectual.