No Pain No Gain

For years, Michael Bay's career has solely consisted of shoot em up flicks and apocalyptic disaster movies. One after the other, they've always told the same stories, utilized the same clichés and have been brutalized by critics everywhere. Personally, I never had anything against the guy. He does what he loves to do and almost 100% of the time gives his audience what they're there for. But don't mistake him as a one trick pony. Bay has been making a career of blockbusters for the sole purpose of having the luxury to make serious, less expensive movies. Pain & Gain might be proof positive of my point. It was quite a daring move for Bay to commit to such a bold feat as to make a film based on the true events of the Sun Gym gang. Like most of the film's critics (and there are quite an abundance of them), I agree that maybe it wasn't such a good idea to reenact the actual murders and backstabbing actions that these murderers did and play them up for laughs. Because, yes, this is indeed a comedy. Or is it? I can't tell what genre this movie falls under. But I cant deny thats its entertaining. I was very interested in the story of the actual events. What I'm trying to say is, the execution couldn't have been better in telling the story. The performances from Wahlberg, Johnson and Mackie were equally unique and insanely enjoyable. The three of them were able to capture the meat-headed simpletons that these criminals really were. The movie as a whole works. As a thriller, I was thrilled. But as a comedy, I was sort of indifferent. At times, I found myself laughing at some of the film's darker shaded sense of humor, and rolling my eyes at the cringe worthy, Adam Sandler style gross out jokes that the film unwillingly felt obligated to shove down our throats. An identity crisis, this film indeed had. When you get past all these cons, Pain & Gain is a well crafted, violent joy ride. Its one of the most underrated films of the year, and its worth your time in seeing it.

I remember reading about this years ago. These idiots kidnapped and tortured this man until he gave up everything he owned. The actual account is significantly more chilling than depicted in the movie. The only embellishment seemed to be the stupidity of the villains. In actuality, it was their arrogance and hubris that got them caught.

I wasn't thrilled with the movie, but that doesn't mean it was not good. Actually, I think this film had incredible substance, due particularly in part to the casting. I would have given it 7 stars, but the length of the film took it down a notch (they could have knocked off 14-19 minutes worth of unnecessary, and sometimes boring footage).

The film started off with Wahlberg seeming to be just like Wahlberg. But, long story short, he and the film evolved to a character that fit him (and vice versa). Based upon the plot, I think it was a good match.

Dwayne Johnson is not brand new to drama, but this was a different kind of role nonetheless. I don't feel he was 100% there, but his likable character makes you just ignore it. I think with a few more roles like this, he'll be better.

I'm not that familiar with Mackie, but he did a great job in his role. Apart from Shalhoub, he was probably one of the most believable characters. He made me think of a subdued and more serious version of Mike Epps.

Shalhoub....well, what can you say about this guy? He was awesome in Monk, and his style is always great. He is a talented actor and the casting of him was a solid choice. He has that goof look to him, yet his face can show some noteworthy seriousness. This was no Giamatti being cast as a thug...Shalhoub can pull off a "tough guy" pretty well.

I've always been fond of Ed Harris, but his role was insignificant. Same for Corddry.

All in all, this was a well-made film deserving to be watched. I doubt I would ever watch it again due to it's slow development at times, but I'm glad I did see it. The casting was unexpected and unique.

This black comedy is inspired by real events... but isn't as truthful as it claims. Daniel Lugo is a body builder works at a Miami gym as a personal trainer. He believes in the American dream and decides that if he can't earn the money to buy the things he wants he will steal it. His target is wealthy client Victor Kershaw, who Lugo suspects got his wealth illegally. He recruits fellow body builders Adrian Doorbal and Paul Doyle and set out his plan... they will kidnap Kershaw and force him to sign over all his possessions to them. Once they have him things don't go to plan.

Since this is a Michael Bay film one might expect lots of explosions but there are none here; there is still his usual style of direction. In some of the more comedic scenes this is effective but felt uncomfortable when things get nasty. Like most films that claim to be true it deviates from the facts of the real case. This serves to make our protagonists more sympathetic. From the start we can see that these aren't the smartest characters in town. On the plus side I did find myself laughing more than I expected and the cast does a solid job; most notably Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson and Anthony Mackie as Lugo, Doyle and Doorbal respectively; I particularly liked Johnson's performance as a coke-addled bible-basher. Tony Shalhoub impressed as Kershaw and Ed Wood but in a suitably restrained performance as ex-cop private investigator Ed Du Bois, III who investigates to case and is the film's most 'normal' character. There are some decent action scenes as well as a few disturbing moments involving the dismemberment of two bodies. Overall I'd say that I enjoyed this more than expected; worth a watch if you are an adult fan of any of the stars... it's not for children!

Pain & Gain honestly has too many flaws to name, but for some reason I think this is a pleasure to watch. It can be extremely funny and entertaining. Especially if you are into fitness than this movie is for you.