Review of Pain & Gain (2013) by Leon B — 28 Dec 2013

Review:

This movie really seemed like an episode of American Dumbest Criminals, because the 3 main characters are completely crazy for thinking that they would get away with what they had planned. I don't know how the hell they got away with the first kidnapping. The police really let the system down, even though he seemed like he deserved it. In the end of the day, the 3 guys really had some serious personal issues, with a really dark side which is still unbelievable but true. They seem to think that they are doing no wrong, not knowing that they are committing one of the most gruesome crimes. The director cleverly mixed comedy with a dark drama which will stick with you because it's a true story. Although the events are quite deep and dark, you can't help but laugh at the ridiculous ideas that the trio had to get money. If it wasn't for greed, stupidity and brutality, they would have got away with it, which is shocking for the time that we are in. Watchable!

Round-Up:

All the way through the movie, Mark Wahlberg is dictating to the other 2 characters and his voice does become a bit annoying in parts. That's not to say that he didn't play his part well, and his chemistry with The Rock was funny and believable. I personally wouldn't have picked Anthony Mackie as part of the trio because Wanlberg and Johnson are quite big in Hollywood at the moment so it would have been good to see someone else in there calibre, but he didn't do to bad. It was hard watching such a big giant like the Rock, getting bossed around by little Wahlberg and making a fool of himself in the process, but it shows that there is versatility to his acting at that he doesn't always have to play the action hero. It is hard to comment on how true to the real characters the 3 actors were because I didn't know anything about story before I saw the movie, but for entertainment you can't help but be shocked by how far fetched the story really is.

Budget: $26million.

Worldwide Gross: $86million.

I recommend this movie to people who are into there comedic dumb criminal type of movies which tells the true story about 3 body builders who go one a kidnapping spree. 6/10.