Pain and Gain ★★
Three numb nuts with half a brain together.
The victim
Michael Bay movies always made me laugh, not because they are funny but because they are so cheesy and overacted. I respect the fact his movies cost like 200 million dollars and still he manages to make a good profit. He has the Midas touch.
When I heard his Pain and Gain was actually a comedy I was intrigued. Can the king of slow motion direct a decent comedy? Not really. The only thing that is hilarious about the film it is based on an actual story. No matter how utterly absurd it gets, it hits you, this really happen. As a matter of fact, the movie literally reminds you of this.
What is the insane story? A trio of Miami body builders Daniel Lugo (Mark Wahlberg), Paul Doyle (Dwayne Johnson) and Adrian Doorbal (Anthony Macky) decide to kidnap a nasty and repugnant millionaire (Tony Shalhoub). Of course, their lack of experience and intelligence causes their plan to go terribly wrong.
I liked two things about the film. First, Mark Wahlberg’s acting chops. He always has the ability to portray ripped, dumbass and sympathetic roles like Dirk Diggler or Marky Mark. Second, the 90s time capsule, it sure makes you feel old when they categorize Coolio’s Gangsters Paradise as retro music.
Pain and Gain is a movie you are better of rent it. For now, we have to wait what is Michael Bay cooking for Transformers 4. Today he announced Kesley Grammer just signed as the head villain.
Check out the real life criminals vs. the actors.
Like most Bay films, it does run too long for its own good and deflates a bit in the third act, but it kept me entertained for the most part. Good review Claudio.
Thanks Dan, I appreciate your feedback.