14 DAY TRIAL // Michael Bay never pretended to make “art” with his movies but only to deliver a good time, which is why I think film critics hate him so passionately. Say what you will about the vulgar, offensive and brash nature of “Pain & Gain,” but it’s definitely the most entertaining movie I’ve seen in a (rather long) while.
Bay rose to international acclaim in the ‘90s with the first “Bad Boys” film and fell out of favor with the critics with “Transformers.” “Pain & Gain” is probably his best movie since “Bad Boys,” if not from his entire career.
Based on a true story about 3 bodybuilders from Miami thinking they could get rich overnight by kidnapping a businessman and having him sign everything over to them, the film could best be described as a black comedy.
It’s shameless and it’s action packed, it’s brilliant and bubbly but, at the same time, it’s also vulgar and disgraceful – not to mention offensive to women (but I won’t get into that here because, honestly, I also think that, if you really want to be offended – and I don’t mean just women – you can find a gazillion things to offend you wherever you look).
The dialog is excellent, with hilarious one-liners and banter that doesn’t stop even when the occasion would deem it appropriate.
Last but not least, the three leads seem to want to outdo each other in everything, and I mean that in the best way possible. Wahlberg and Johnson truly stand out, though.
What I Liked
The acting: Bay favors action to performance but, just this once, he’s holding back on the explosions and car chases to allow his stars their time in the spotlight. And boy do they shine.
Wahlberg already has a reputation for a near-solid drama actor, but you won’t believe how amazing The Rock also is until you’ve seen this film.
What I Didn’t Like
This is Bay’s most artsy film but he’s yet to learn how to point the camera without objectifying women or turning even the most serious topic (like a gruesome murder) into the butt of a joke. The characters are one-dimensional, more of stereotypes than anything else.
Conclusion
Just try not to overthink it and you’ll have a fantastic time, guaranteed.
The trailer above is the “clean” version. For a more accurate taste of “Pain & Gain,” the red band trailer is here, but *please note that discretion is recommended when viewing it for language and images that might offend.
The Players
Director: Michael Bay Writers: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Anthony Mackie, Tony Shalhoub, Ed Harris, Bar Paly, Rebel Wilson Rated R