No Pain, No Gain

Imagine Rocky meets The Big Short in a Gold's Gym parking lot. Turcotte's No Pain, No Gain follows Zorillo's Gus, a bodybuilding savant who trades syringes for spreadsheets, battling Jake Steel's smug champ and a predatory nutrition giant. The film's critique of "quick fix" culture is sharp-scenes of Gus dissecting placebo studies are weirdly gripping-but underdeveloped subplots (Hursley's redemption, corporate goons) drag momentum. Miekbach's haunted performance elevates thin material, while Zorillo's physicality and wit charm. Turbocharged training montages and a synth-heavy score energize, though the climax's moralizing speech feels unearned. Flawed yet fiercely original, it's a cult gem for gym rats and nerds alike.

Gus Malliarodakis shines in the role of Mike Zorillo. His performance is dynamic delivering a believable portrayal of a man who is both physically intimidating and intellectually complex. The tension between Mikes massive physique and his sharp mind is a key driving force of the film and Malliarodakis does an excellent job of balancing these contrasting sides of the character. Theres a vulnerability in Mike, especially as he tries to fit into the high stakes, appearance driven world of LA and Malliarodakis portrays this conflict with subtlety and heart.

This movie is enjoyable and watch for anyone interested in stories of personal growth, intellectualism, and the struggle to break free from societal expectations.

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.

Jodi Lane Baums script is a key element in the success of this movie. The script manages to blend the sports genre with intellectual exploration which is no easy feat. Baums writing is thoughtful and layered, presenting complex themes such as societal expectations, self-identity and the relationship between physical achievement and mental capability. The pacing of the film is tight, with moments of introspection balanced by high-energy training montages and emotional confrontations. Baum also does a wonderful job of capturing the psychological toll that the world of competitive bodybuilding can have on an individual, especially someone like Mike who is not only physically gifted but also intellectually exceptional. The dialogue is sharp and the character development is organic, allowing the film to grow beyond typical biographical sports fare.

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.