Pain & Gain (2013) User Reviews (379)

Flawed but greatly entertaining to watch

[Screen_Blitz · 7/10 · 17 March 2015]

It's nice to see Michael Bay take a little break from explosion-fueled action movies, and do a dark comedy based on events that took place during the fall of 1994 to summer of 1995, in Miami. In this film, Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, and Anthony Mackie play a trio of bodybuilders of a Miami fitness center, who kidnap a millionaire named Victor Kershaw, and extort him for money. Their plan is to take his money and his house, and then murder him. While their attempt to obtain his wealth succeeds, their plan of eliminating goes terribly wrong, and unleashes a turbulent chain of events.

I honestly enjoyed this movie, it was fun to watch at times. However, I can't say I enjoyed every single bit of it. Some parts, such as the kidnapping, were exciting to watch. Then there were other scenes that didn't quite make much sense. I sat through a few scenes where I thought "what's the point here?", then the movie would suddenly get exciting again. Aside from this, this movie is very quotable, and had some memorable lines by Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson. The two showed some good comedic chemistry in many scenes and it made the film more enjoyable.

Some people may be offended by this film because it's a comedy that takes horrific events that occurred in real life and turns them into comedic situations. However, I kinda like the idea of the film being a comedy. I think the director made this film a comedy because of the characters and their stupidity. Mark Wahlberg plays Daniel Lugo, the owner of the fitness center (Sun Gym) and the leader of the gang who does the kidnapping. Then, Dwayne Johnson, who plays Paul Doyle, a member of the gym, and Anthony Mackie, who plays Adrian Doorbal, a friend of Daniel Lugo. These characters were not very smart and their attempts on kidnapping, stealing, and murder often lead to unwanted results. The characters' stupidity is kinda what made the movie entertaining and somewhat funny.

Of muscles and mad men

[dvc5159 · 7/10 · 26 April 2013]

Michael Bay's "Pain and Gain" is a very bleak, very dark comedy about three knucklehead bodybuilders in pursuit of their own American dream, even if the road there is paved with sex, drugs, torture, humiliation, and even murder.

Bay is shamelessly reputed for huge explosions, choppy editing, excessively flashy/glitzy cinematography, sexy women, fancy cars and (recently) giant robots. With "Pain and Gain" he returns to low-budget territory since his debut "Bad Boys" in 1995. The result - the film is a debauchery in style - it's all over the film. Although Bay cuts back on the explosions and robots (mercifully), everything else has Bay written all over it, and considering how morbidly ridiculous the film's subject matter is, Bay tackles it in such a head-on and energetic manner that the audience is whisked off for the insane ride ahead.

For this movie, he has assembled together Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson and Anthony Mackie as the three bumble-heads who have their hearts set in the right goal but clearly lack the intellect to do so. All three men look jacked up, and play their parts as ridiculous as the part goes for it, especially Johnson, who clearly is having a blast showing off a completely different side of him as opposed to what we've been seeing him of late. Wahlberg plays a character so dangerously goofy and dumb one will wonder whether such a person exists in real life. Tony Shalhoub's unfortunate but still jerk-ish character sets the tone for most of the movie as his predicament grows from one spectrum of ridiculousness to another. By the time we've reached sexy Bar Paly's and hilarious Rebel Wilson's love interest characters, the audience have probably seen enough.

Then in comes Ed Harris as Detective Du Bois. Just when I thought the film was about to careen off the rails into insanity. He's the only sane person in the whole movie, and his presence helps bring balance and clarity to what was a ludicrous first half.

Comic relief is key in Bay's action films, but here he's going all out at comedy, and he sure does pull of the stops. The film is simply put, hysterical. The fact that it was indeed a true story makes it all the more hilarious to watch, who honestly can think of some story like this and pull if off straight?

I am aware that since this is a film, some liberties had to be made to the story and characters. Some scenes were undoubtedly exaggerated, but which one? Every scene looked and felt so surreal, every major character ridiculous, every line of dialogue inducing a chortle from the audience. But it was a dementedly fun ride, and Bay, after making two bloated sequels about giant robots, finally returns to his stride.

Believe it or not, this movie is based on a true story

[geislekm · 7/10 · 5 March 2020]

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.

Unbelievable true, but preposterous tale

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 1 May 2013]

Watching Pain&Gain today I was thinking that this film could have been handled as a straight drama. But given the absolutely preposterous nature of this true story I think playing it as a black comedy was the only way to go.

The film reminded me a whole lot of Fargo with a bit of Casino and Goodfellas thrown in. Three bodybuilders who become jealous and resentful of the wealthy clients they have at a health club they work at conceive of a plan to rob one they truly think is an obnoxious rich fool. That client Tony Shalhoub is just that is besides the point, these guys are like the hired criminals in Fargo and everything that can go wrong does. This film is exponential Murphy's Law. And Shalhoub proves to be tougher than these he men can imagine.

The three muscle bound Moriartys are Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson and Anthony Mackie. Their back stories are provided with their own narration as Scorsese did in his crime classics, but these guys have results like Fargo though not at first. Their own weaknesses in the end defeat them.

Pain&Gain is laced with humor with a dash of pathos in as far as the criminal masterminds are concerned. They've sculpted themselves into the bodies beautiful and such Adonis/Apollo features deserve the best that life can offer. They think some cosmic joke is being played on them that an arrogant little worm like Tony Shalhoub should have so much wealth with all the big boy toys he can possess because of same. So Wahlberg, Mackie, and Johnson resolve to fix things as a matter of justice and entitlement.

I think if you have a quirky and bizarre sense of humor and a jaundiced view of life, you'll go for Pain&Gain.

Good

[0U · 22 February 2020]

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.

The Gain is worth the Pain

[aciessi · 6/10 · 18 July 2013]

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.

Surprising Film - Not What I Expected

[GBDaddy · 6/10 · 29 June 2013]

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.

Enjoyable heist movie with really stupid people.

[jackmeat · 7/10 · 5 June 2013]

Movie review:Does the Rock appear in every movie throughout the summer? Anyway this movie is based on a true story which makes it that much better when you see it. Reason for this? These "criminals" have to be the dumbest people in the world. The story revolves around 3 fitness trainers or muscleheads that decide they want the better things in life. Well, of course, the best way to get them is to steal it. The mastermind to this is Danny Lugo (played by Mark Wahlberg who again is great) who concocts a scheme to kidnap one of the clients of the club (Tony Shalhoub), and extort his millions. So he recruits Adrian (Anthony Mackie) and Paul (Dwayne Johnson) to exact this brilliant plan. I would dive into the plan, but I really don't think there was one. That is the beauty of the genius of the plan. They said "screw it, let's wing it" and since they are aforementioned idiots, this leads to some extremely funny moments. The movie itself is not action, but more of a comedy that just shows how dumb people are. So let's just say they painstakingly achieve their goal and score the money, but that is only half of it. In their own ways, one score wasn't enough due to their various eccentric behaviors and now a new plot is hatched, which you would think after the first plans failure (barring getting the money) they may have learned they are not cut out for this. There are plenty of little side plots in the story that when the movie sums them up for you in court, you will be just listening to the account of this heist and just plain out laugh, not even realizing you just saw it in the past two hours of viewing. The characters work so well off of each other that the humor comes fairly quick, yet subtle. This is all put together very well into a fine flick that delivers the laughs. I was impressed that Michael Bay pulled this off since he isn't known for comedy. Set in the 90s and in Miami, the look is just what you would expect, fluorescent colors, jean shorts, etc. all are abound. A very comedic look at a violent yet amusing crime that actually happened. I would love to know just how accurate this movie is, because it just seems so over the top on how stupid the characters were. Oh, one thing I noticed that I am unsure how this fits into the criminals lifestyles and is more used for humor:An obsession with the male sex organ, real and fake, the subject comes up a lot. All and all, an enjoyable movie and the Rock once again steals the show with his g-d fearing coke head character that will just keep you laughing. 6.6/10 IMDb 6.9 I personally think it was just a bit too long, but that is OK. Bonus for wrestling fans, look closely for a Kurt Angle sighting in this movie.

Cult classic

[Adrian232 · 9/10 · 29 August 2014]

Let me start this out by saying I hate Michael Bay. I hate Michael Bay. OK, OK, he's not the worst director in Hollywood. He's got his s**t together, and people are willing to pay him to glue together the worst movie ideas and turn them into a semi-watchable blockbuster. However, Pain & Gain isn't one of these movies.

"Wait, how does that make it good?" You ask? Well, my position is that Bay actually cared about this movie. He pitched this movie for years, even when he was a more struggling director, and nobody would buy it. Eventually, this movie was made on a measly budget of $26 million. Not exactly peanuts, but nowhere near the budget Bay is used to. I believe this encouraged him to put some real thought into it.

First of all, this is a dark, dark comedy at its core. It's Fargo ramped up to eleven and edited into the pace of a 2-hour-long seat-edging action thriller. The movie manages to go from serious, to gory, to slapstick all in a matter of minutes, and somehow still manages to work. It'll be impossible to keep yourself from cracking out in laughter, even though all of the characters are completely unlikable and self-absorbed. The movie constantly mocks gym jocks, self-help optimism, and class privilege. The acting is superb. All of the cast was well chosen, from Dwayne to Shalhoub and especially Wahlberg. And that shocking fridge horror moment comes with the realization that it all actually happened. Yes, unlike Fargo, that disclaimer at the beginning of the movie is an honest one, and the actual events are even more outrageous than this movie itself.

Most of the criticism seems to come from this movie being made as humor deriving from a true event, but I don't think it could have been done better any differently. All of the changes made to the events were understandable in order to make it watchable as a movie; Adding extra humor in order to balance the absurdity, merging a few characters into one much larger one, or even actually *toning down* a few parts to make them more believable. There are so many memorable moments that are permanently affixed to my brain, unlike other Bay films which are utterly forgettable. That makes this a cult classic, and easily one of my favorite movies.

A dark comedy that is likely to offend some viewers

[Tweekums · 7/10 · 10 October 2019]

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!

Distasteful & Dispecable

[taiko713 · 1/10 · 31 July 2013]

I'm not sure what Hollywood is on lately, but this films just goes to prove that there is truly nothing good coming out of that hell-hole lately.

Director Michael Bay, the producers and actors should all be ASHAMED of themselves for creating a film which attempts to bring humor and raise sympathy for a group of kidnappers, torturers, robbers and ultimately murderers. WTF were you guys thinking! This group of idiots were guilty of heinous acts and yet you produce a film that makes lite of them and their atrocious crimes. If this had happened to someone you loved would you still make the same movie or be involved with this trash? I doubt it.

If you want to know more about what these criminals did, read the Miami New Times 3 part series by the same name of this film or the book by Marc Shiller (the sole survivor).

I will never spend a dime on any film which any of these actors, producers or directors are involved with. It may not mean anything to them, but at least I have my self respect.

Criminally Underscored

[Joshuaseverino-32-731547 · 8/10 · 11 February 2021]

The overwhelming sense I get from all the negative reviews on here is that the comedy in this true story is irresponsible and wrong. Well I think that's just a couple prunes trying to ruin a really good movie. I don't think Michael Bay set out or achieved any disrespect towards the victims. The absurd details of this case mixed with the excellent acting of the principal three actors create an extremely enjoyable movie with some laughs here and there. The editing is excellent and this movie should be rated at least a 7.1 One of the best if not the best movie Mr. Michael Bay has made. It deserves more credit.

Inconsistent: First Half Fun, Second Half Not

[3xHCCH · 6/10 · 13 May 2013]

It was the 1990s. Daniel Lugo (Mark Wahlberg) is a body builder and personal fitness trainer with big dreams. Unfortunately, he had bad ideas to achieve these dreams. Together with two other muscle-head friends, Adrian (Anthony Mackie) and Paul (Dwayne Johnson), he kidnaps and extorts money from one of his rich clients Victor Kershaw (Tony Shaloub). Plans do not exactly go as planned and instead leads to a series of over-the-top murder and mayhem as only director Michael Bay could give us. That this preposterous story was actually based on a crime that happened in real life was an incredible aspect of the film.

The movie is really about very serious heinous crimes, but the writers make it black comedy material by focusing on the stupid planning and bumbling actions of the three muscle-bound perpetrators of these crimes. I enjoyed the first half of the movie when the comedy was actually there on the screen, especially with Tony Shaloub and Rebel Wilson (as Adrian's nurse and girlfriend) there. However, when The Rock's character Paul becomes a cocaine addict which leads to their gang's downward spiral, the film also spirals downward, loses its sense of fun and becomes difficult to watch.

human behavior at its worst

[Jared_Andrews · 2/10 · 13 April 2016]

Pain and Gain can at best be described as a cautionary tale for the use of steroids, other drugs, and the unquenchable thirst for wealth. The problem is that there is very little evidence to suggest that this was the filmmakers' intention.

Through the first 20 minutes of the movie, I was able to stomach the buffoonery of all the obnoxious characters. Actually, I even enjoyed this portion because I was under the impression that the filmmakers were intentionally mocking these muscle-headed psychopaths by portraying them as complete morons.

As I continued watching, it became increasingly clear that every character involved in the story, not just the muscle heads, was a complete moron. It was then that I suspected that the filmmakers were not so much intentionally mocking the triumvirate of body builders, rather they were feeding the kidnappers what were intended to be funny lines to make these people appear more likable.

This could have been done for two reasons: 1. The filmmakers were attempting to make light of a seriously dark situation so the story could be told without becoming completely off-putting. 2. The filmmakers actually enjoy these despicable sorts of characters and wanted to represent them as decent guys who just made a few mistakes.

I tend to lean toward the latter since the film makes virtually no effort to empathize with any of the victims. Kershaw (Schaloub) was made out to be the least likable person in the entire movie. Given what the other geniuses were willing to do just to make a quick buck, including torturing him and beating him nearly to death, he should have been awarded at least an ounce of sympathy. Nope. Sure, he may have been a douche, but he didn't attempt to rob or kill anyone. He was a mean-spirited pre-epiphany Scrooge-type guy, not a violent felon.

No doubt he was a bad guy, but he should not have been the "bad guy" of the story. Yet somehow that was the film's implication.

The one highlight of the movie is the performance of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. His role of reformed drug addict who finds Jesus, loses him, then finds him again, was nearly lost amidst the mountain of crap that makes up the bulk of the movie.

That pretty much sums up my feelings about Pain and Gain. It is well-suited for the type of person that enjoys tasteless jokes that lower the bar for the intelligence of all mankind and random scenes with fast cars and strippers. There is even a completely unnecessary diarrhea gag. If that's your thing, go see this movie. Otherwise go read a book, and stay away from steroids.

Not much action, but there is comedy as muscleheads set off to achieve the American dream

[napierslogs · 6/10 · 25 April 2013]

Daniel Lugo (Mark Wahlberg) and Adrien Doorbal (Anthony Mackie) are the very definition of muscleheads – more muscles than brains. Paul Doyle (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) is a Christian musclehead who has accepted Jesus Christ as his personal saviour. They believe in the American dream. If other people have what they want, then, therefore, they should get it. That is the full extent of logic that they could exercise. The premise is funny and the film manages to follow through on that promise.

Lugo is the ring-leader, a top-tier body-builder in Miami, and his get rich quick schemes haven't really panned out all that well in the past, but this time, he's going to follow the advice a TV commercial life coach: "Do be a do-er, don't be a don't-er." The film starts off rather slowly, apparently letting the writing speak for itself, but the jokes seem a little off-balance. A little low-key (relatively low-key) and are based on dichotomies between what they're observing and what they're deciding to do.

For a Michael Bay film, there's not much action – only one explosion! But the film picks up speed as the muscleheads get further along in their ludicrous plan, and the comedy keeps on coming. They really do say and do the dumbest things, but it's entertaining to laugh at them because they whole-heartedly believe in what they're doing. Or at least Lugo believes in what they're doing; Adrien just doesn't know any better, and Doyle believes in both God and doing more coke – whichever gives him the better high in the moment.

"Pain & Gain" is set in the '90s in Miami and although they had a few fluorescent colours and jean shorts, they didn't give us quite as much topical humour as I was expecting. But the film still suits the times – with a sort of choppy but glamorous look. Rumour has it that Michael Bay used more longer takes than any of his previous films. I haven't seen any of his recent movies, so I wouldn't know, but this one is way more geared towards the crime-riddled plot and the comedic writing than any action that the director is known for.

There is a strange obsession with male genitalia – jokes about real ones, and many shots of fake ones to go along with a few characters' denial of and hatred of homosexuality. I'm not sure what the point of that was. Perhaps that was part of what really happened. Unfortunately, as the narrator says, this is a true story. These muscleheads really are trying to get their piece of the American pie, the stupidest way they know how. It's also too long – a straight forward crime comedy has no need to be over two hours long.

The appearance of Ed Harris lends the film some credibility – some much needed credibility, and Rebel Wilson adds an extra touch of comedy. Overall, "Pain & Gain" does a decent job of telling a ridiculously true story comedically, and violently, and a little self-indulgently.

More Pain than Gain for me this time....

[moviescoundrel · 6/10 · 26 April 2013]

I love some of Bay's other directed films like "The Rock" and "Bad Boys", and this is obviously WAY different. Yes the directing style is similar, language similar, actors similar (Fiennes and Harris), locale somewhat similar (many of Bays films are filmed in Miami), but the flow and feel of the film is much different. This is based on a true story, and the focus is not as much about the action as it is about Bay's stylish comedic way to tell this story. I did not particularly care for this way. The excessive profanity and mockery of Christianity and religion were a bit annoying for me; it's evident and often throughout the film. Paul (Dwayne Johnson) is an ex-con who has apparently changed his ways, has recently been "saved", and oh yeah, has a mild problem with violence, lack of intelligence, and addiction to substances. I'm not sure how much of these are attempts at humor or from the actual true account. The violence wasn't necessarily over the top, but there is a little more grit and gore than in typical Bay movies. The overall experience here was just more disappointing than not, and while I welcome another Bad Boys movie, I don't welcome another true story crime comedy drama from Bay. Unfortunately, we may have to wait until the next "Transformers" saga to see anything.

for more, go to www.moviescoundrel.com

A unique fever dream of a movie

[eddie_baggins · 6/10 · 8 January 2014]

Hollywood California, 11.30pm and the Bay household or should we say mansion is quiet and ready for bed. Michael removes his gold slippers, finishes his cigar and nestles into his Transformers silk bed sheets and closes his eyes ready for sleep. As he drifts into a deep rest visions of explosions, young models in short skirts, explosions, a really big explosion, short skirts, explosions, loud noises, a slow motion explosion and robot dangly bits fill his mind. As he awakes in the morning light with the rays of Beverly Hills he forgets what dreams filled his night yet is inspired with a jolt of creativity to go and blow things up – all in the name of art and entertainment oh and he needs a nubile young model to sign on for her "acting" skills.

Oh Michael Bay we could make fun of you all day and all night long, you're the butt of many critics joke and an easy target at that yet one thing that cannot be denied is your track record with your films making in excess of 4 billion dollars at the global box office therefore giving you a license to pretty much blow up whatever you see fit and really the world is all the better for it.

It may come as a surprise but Pain and Gain is explosion free for a whole 52 minutes! That's right Bay does not blow up a single creation either small or large until almost an hour into his bizarre, frantic and seriously entertaining take on a unbelievably true story set in the sun drenched city of Miami. Bay's tale is perhaps his wildest yet and features acting turns by it's 3 leads that rank as some of the most committed of the year.

The trio of Wahlberg, Johnson and Mackie committee not only physically to this tale but mentally, portraying versions of men so hell bent on the American dream they will turn to kidnapping and murder to get it. This outrageous tale is a fascinating allergy on the American dream with voice over monologues from the characters letting us know just how brazenly dumb these men are whether it be thinking Scarface is real or wanting to be a Doer and not a Don't-er. It's a crazy tale directed with a Red Bull infused energy by Bay that one suspects will be a cult classic in years to come due to its subject and portrayals.

Make no doubts about it there is a lot wrong with Pain and Gain but it's also one of the best filmed and interestingly acted movies from last year and at no stage is it in any way boring. Bay is a man easy to hate on but for a director who makes unashamedly entertaining films he is a genius and on the strength of this effort shows us to be a daring filmmaker whether you want to admit it or not. Bring on the next Transformers I say, now back to sleep I have explosions to dream of.

3 pumps out of 5

For more movie reviews and opinions check out -

www.jordanandeddie.wordpress.com

Wasn't The Best, But Was Enjoyable

[jeffrey-utley · 7/10 · 13 July 2013]

Michael Bay, the director of the 'Transformers' movies directed this: A comedy/action movie based on a true story of which in the 90's three guys decided to kidnap and torture a rich guy until all of his assets were sent over them in a month's time. That is a very stupid decision because the families of the victims (yes, there was more than one victim) are still alive to see this comedy based on something horrible that happened to a family member. If this wasn't just a movie review I'd add that in to hurt the rating, but sadly, I'm reviewing this movie as a movie. 'Pain & Gain' was enjoyable and pretty good. I'm reviewing it on that basis.

This movie looked like mostly a comedy in the trailers, but it's not really that funny, other than a few funny parts. I didn't even know if it tried to be funny very much, because most of the time it wasn't. In the trailers it also tried to make itself look like a heist movie, and it really wasn't a heist movie. Yes, they do kidnap a guy, but it's not a heist. I just wanted to clear that up.

This movie, yet enjoyable, was boring in some parts. It had to pick up at some points. This movie also didn't really have a strait forward story line, either. It wasn't very focused and the pacing changed many times. There aren't very clear main characters, there's just all the characters and it seems to be everybody's movie. That part of this movie annoyed me. Some things happened that got intense and did clearly show the main characters, but most of the movie does not. About the pacing being off, in about half an hour of the movie covers a month, but then an hour of this movie will cover in hour. It just goes all over the place. The writing and the directing was very strange in that sense. I had no idea if it was poor directing, or if Michael Bay thought it needed to go that way.

The acting in this movie was good, because two of the main characters are played by Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson, which are good actors. The other guy, Anthony Mackie, did a good job, too. That made the movie enjoyable. I'm not saying they nailed their parts, but they did well. As the movie goes on, it gets better, despite the boring parts. There's some action and some intensity near the middle. There's not that much intensity until the end, though. The end had action and intensity and you see the characters break. That's another good thing, there's some good character buildup, but it's done almost all by monologue, which is a bad thing. Anyway, it was the end that made this movie get a positive rating. I really liked that part. There was also some buildup to the characters breaking that didn't give it away, or not get the message to us. That part of 'Pain & Gain' was nearly perfect.

So, I liked the movie even though it had some directing problems and it was kind of slow. It was enjoyable, (mostly because of the end) fun, and a good time. The end and some parts near the end were done well. This 7/10 means that the movie was good and I liked it.

Great, with a side of horror!

[ariasn1 · 10/10 · 30 April 2013]

This movie was near perfect to me, and let me explain why: The actors portraying the three (can you call them) anti hero's incredibly well. I don't quite know how accurate they were in comparison to the real criminals but as standalone characters they were pitch perfect (even the Rock, who may have actually stolen the show for me).

Tony Shaloub is no actor to be laughed at, he played such an interesting 3 dimensional yet despicable character that forced me to try to come to terms with how I felt with him being the victim.

And what really made the movie for me was the phenomenal writing and directing combination, there were intensely serious moments surrounded by the blackest of black comedy, something that shouldn't have worked, but it did!

My only problem with the flick is that it IS a true story. From what I've heard it's not even based on a true story, it's just a sensationalized docudrama with added humour... Christ (re read this after you see the movie and then you'll find it funny... I hope)

TL;DR VERSION Not for kids; great movie with great casting, writing, direction, cinematography etc.; But it loses a point for taken such a sad, serious story and making it painfully funny.

Rather interesting...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 19 December 2015]

I must admit that initially I didn't have much interest in this movie, given its synopsis. But after having seen it, I have to say that this movie was surprisingly entertaining, fun and fast paced.

The movie kicks into gear right from the very start and doesn't really slow down before the end credits started rolling. And there wasn't really a dull moment throughout the entire movie.

The story in "Pain & Gain" was rather entertaining to watch, and the fact that in all its absurdity that it was an actual real story just added to the enjoyment. Some of the things that were taking place was so out there it was just hilarious.

But more importantly, I was rather surprised with the cast. Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson and Anthony Mackie were great in their roles as the criminal bodybuilders. But it should also be said that Tony Shalhoub and Ed Harris were amazing in their roles. Just a shame that Ed Harris wasn't given more on-screen time.

"Pain & Gain" is an entertaining movie that is well-worth watching. Good storyline, good acting, good entertainment.

Comedy about tragedy

[Brian7250 · 1/10 · 14 November 2018]

Based on a true story, it's about three sadistic, brutal kidnappers and murderers turned into a crude comedy as if they were a modern version of the Marx Brothers or the Three Stooges. I'm sure the victims' families must have enjoyed this one - NOT. That's it really - and even if it wasn't based on a true story, should never have been made. It's sad to see such good actors taking part in this drivel.

Interesting Take on a Surprisingly True Story,

[lesleyharris30 · 8/10 · 8 June 2014]

Pain & Gain is a great movie with a very well developed storyline and an outstanding cast that have the ability both serious and funny which made them great casting for a movie I like this.Although it is very hard to believe,this is actually based on a true story,and as the movie continues it becomes more and more unbelievable,but are robed every now and again that it is actually a true story,which was clever because they obviously knew people would be thinking that throughout.This movie has different characters narrating throughout,which is something I have complained about in past reviews,I just think we should only be following one character,and when we learn about a different characters past it should still be the main character telling their story,I think it should have just been Mark Wahlberg's character telling the story instead of switching around to Dwayne Johnson,to Bar Paly and later on Ed Harris,they gave so much characters the chance to narrate which just really irritates me.The movie really is a breath of fresh air considering it is directed by Michael Bay,who's never done a movie like this before,and the characters are nothing like Mark Wahlberg,Dwayne Johnson or Anthony Mackie have played before. Pain & Gain is a very enjoyable movie that I would recommend to anyone looking for a good action or comedy.

Based on a true story about three bodybuilders who get involved in burglary and kidnapping in order to get all the money and wealthy lifestyle they desire,but to fact that none of them are particularity brainy dosen't help them.

Best Performance: Mark Wahlberg

Real events as black comedy

[neil-476 · 7/10 · 20 September 2013]

3 bodybuilders seek to kidnap a wealthy but extremely unpleasant man with a view to extortion, but things go horribly wrong.

Michael Bay's film is based on a real life case in which the events are so preposterous (largely thanks to the stupidity of the perpetrators) that you wouldn't believe them if they formed the script of a film. Except that they do, and it is true. This explains Mann's decision to film this as a comedy. The blackest of black comedies, admittedly, but a comedy nevertheless. The basic model of someone not that bright who thinks he is a genius, and even less bright underlings who also think their boss is a genius is one which has been used with great success elsewhere, and it works just as well here. The three gang members - Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, and Anthony Mackie - are all excellent, as is Tony Shalhoub as the vastly unsympathetic victim. And, as usual, Ed Harris gives a performance of quiet authority which anchors the whole piece.

This is an enjoyable (if ethically questionable) film, but it is sobering to consider that it is true.

Absolutely awful.

[srsalani10 · 1/10 · 27 April 2013]

This movie was painful to sit through. The director tried way to hard to make something different, and although the first half hour was mildly interesting, it quickly takes a turn for the worse. It tries to humanize three monsters, and make you sympathize with these murderers. They are completely stupid, and unlikable, but the director wants you to root for them. It completely lacks a sense of humanity, and you quickly realize that although this is a true story, it is simply outrageous in the way it is presented. There were a few bright comedic moments, but there were put in the wrong place, like when they were gruesomely chopping up body parts. The director should be ashamed of himself. If he would have made it so that the bad guys were unlikable, this could be a truly great movie. But instead, he wants you to be their friend...and I say no thanks. This is certainly not what I expected from the trailer either. The movie was a true shame to the cinematic world.

Unbelievable Yet True

[deepfrieddodo · 7/10 · 22 December 2021]

Exaggerated in parts, but by no means as much as you feel it may be, Pain & Gain is a relatively accurate black comedic look at a series of horrific crimes.

With characters twisted to make them appear a bit more idiotic than they may have been, the trio of Wahlberg, Mackie and Johnson have a certain dysfunctional chemistry that allows the plot to flow and be enjoyed. But sometimes you do have to remind yourself that many of these things really happened, at times too horrible to imagine, other times perplexingly stupid.

Following the kidnap, torture and progressing crimes, the trio are represented as fairly likeable, not presented as having enough brain power to purely dislike. Wahlberg plays his leader role well, Mackie the dim, squeamish sidekick and Johnson the dim, Christian addict. In fact, their victims are made out to be the more abhorrent of all. It makes for a good film, but in reality is probably in poor taste.

The jokes aren't laughable but purely daft on how the trio progresses, meaning it's enjoyable without being funny. Everything in the plot is spelled out and everyone is given enough background for individual arcs to progress. Acting cannot be faulted and although they are slightly typecast (expect maybe Mackie who has displayed more range) it means everything fits together.

All in all, if only to learn a little about this truly unbelievable crimes, it's worth a watch.