Review of Pain & Gain (2013) by Rejeana W — 25 Jan 2014

While it certainly isn't Michael Bay's best directorial outing, it is well-acted, it didn't rely on explosions 90% of the time, and the film has a tempting plot: Three bodybuilders try to live the American dream via stealing money from a Colombian/Jewish accountant (Tony Shalhoub, known from the TV series Monk), with comedic results.

The results, however, prove to be challenging, with violence and severe language trying to derail the movie, though the movie overcomes these odds with good acting from Mark Wahlberg (reminiscent of his performance from Boogie Nights) and The Rock (who gives his best performance since his history in wrestling), and the movie does focus on more than one person when it comes to storytelling.

The movie also has a good taste in the soundtrack department as well.