When the average movie reviewer hears the name Michael Bay it will immediately bring up words like “lots of explosions”, “empty” or even “bad filmmaker” and looking at the scores that were given to the Transformers movies, The Island and Pearl Harbor you might even be able to write a piece to support that. Still I do think he has made some very entertaining movies like Bad Boys, The Rock and Armageddon. All those movies have a huge feel to them and for Pain & Gain I was expecting something similar. It turns out that this is a Michael Bay movie (it has the specific look), but in comparison to his other films it actually is different, somewhat smaller. It is also based on real events (ok, I’m already hearing you say “so was Pearl Harbor and we know how that turned out”) and turns out to be quite an entertaining film.
The story this movie tells really is unbelievable. It’s about a bodybuilder named Daniel Lugo (Mark Wahlberg) who wants to follow his dream and be extremely successful. He works hard at the gym, but never manages to reach his goal until he is inspired by a presentation by Johnny Wu (Ken Jeong). Daniel sees opportunities to make money quick. His idea? To kidnap one of the clients at the gym. In order to execute this plan he needs help and asks Paul Doyle (Dwayne Johnson) and Adrian Doorbal (Anthony Mackie) to join them. Together they will kidnap Victor Kershaw (Tony Shalhoub) and try to get their hands on everything he owns.
The problem is that they are not the brightest guys around and because of it they end up in various funny situations. I will not spoil any of them, but if you like dark humour there are a few laughs to be had. It took me a while to really get into this movie, but I did find it very entertaining. Whether it is Anthony Mackie’s character having reproductive issues because his use of steroids or Mark Wahlberg’s character constant push to reach his goals and trying to fit in it was entertaining. The standout actor in this movie for me was Dwayne Johnson. His character is very religious and often oblivious to what is happening around him. Johnson really shines and goes through a big range of emotions. My personal highlight is when he is high on coke and decides he needs to get more money. The movie has a very unique look where the colors feel slightly washed out, which makes it stand out. Although this movie never is as entertaining as something like Bad Boys it isn’t bad either. It’s a movie you can enjoy while watching and then probably forget about.
It’s Bay’s best for years but that really isn’t saying very much. This could have been really good in someone else’s hands, but instead it was a disappointment for me. Nicely reviewed.
True, he has not reached the level he did in the earlier movies. I can understand if it disappointed you.
So odd and twisted, but it is Michael Bay, so what else could you expect? Good review Nostra.
Yeah, he has a very different kind of humour, I can agree with that.
Amazingly I haven’t watched this one yet, though being filmed in Miami.
Your review is pretty much in agreement with others I have read.
Yeah, I think there will not be many glowing reviews, but this does have its moments…
I almost rented this last weekend but boy is it a LONG movie! I’m still curious about it though, maybe I’ll get to it this month yet. The premise it crazy, even crazier that it’s based on a true story!
Yeah, I guess if it had been shortened it could have improved. You should give it a chance though even if it’s only for Dwayne Johnson’s performance.
I loathe Michael Bay more than any filmmaker in the world. I really do. I don’t even want to see this. There’s a million things I would do than watch any of his films. I get sick watching them. In fact, I heard Mark Kermode’s review of the film a few weeks ago and some of the stuff that he described just sickened me. It wasn’t just the idea of Bay’s humor that I found offensive but also the fact that is a complete misogynist. People accuse of Lars von Trier of being a misogynist which is not true. Bay is a million times worse.
Seriously? Wow, that are some strong words. You also did not enjoy movies like Bad Boys, The Rock or Armageddon?
Hmmmm, have only seen a couple of von Trier movies and I think that had more of an impact on me than any Michael Bay movie I have seen.
Great review. You put a lot of thought into everything you do.
Those are some very kind words Marilyn. Thank you!
Great review. This is a film I am seeing a lot about but have nothing that really has me looking into checking it out!
Thank you. You will not miss much not seeing it, but if you enjoy Johnson it is good to check out.
Great review as always Nostra but I too feel that Bay missed out on a golden opportunity. I am one of the very few who doesn’t hate him and am fine with most of his films. And, this was a good change from this usual explosive self, but it just failed to have an impact. The story was brilliant and there are some great scenes, but it gets dragged on too much for my liking. Cheers!
You are too kind 🙂
I do not hate him either and enjoy the Transformer movies for what they are. You are right that this didn’t have enough impact…something was missing it seemed…maybe it should have been tightened up a bit.
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