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5

TVJerryMay 2, 2013

Good thing this movie is based on a true story: There are so many stupid decisions and preposterous plot turns, nobody could write it. Three bodybuilders (Dwayne Johnson, Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Mackie) decide to kidnap a man and claim hisGood thing this movie is based on a true story: There are so many stupid decisions and preposterous plot turns, nobody could write it. Three bodybuilders (Dwayne Johnson, Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Mackie) decide to kidnap a man and claim his valuables. But these guys are fueled by testosterone, not brains and it's a disaster from the beginning. As for the film, it's a frantic, loud, jumbled mess…over the top and not in a good way. More humor would have helped (thanks to Johnson for the bit there is). There's no denying that director Michael Bay knows how to make movies, but he's trying too hard and it fails more than it succeeds. BTW, it's not cool to be homophobic anymore.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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6

python2000Jan 3, 2014

I have some truly amazing news. Michael Bay has made a movie which isn't total This has only happened once before in 1996 with The Rock. He's still one of the worst directors on the planet, but I did find Pain and Gain to be mildlyI have some truly amazing news. Michael Bay has made a movie which isn't total This has only happened once before in 1996 with The Rock. He's still one of the worst directors on the planet, but I did find Pain and Gain to be mildly enjoyable.
Much like in the ridiculously popular Transformers movies the female characters are still used as a cheap way of attracting men. One woman is a stereotypical stupid stripper, another overweight and foul mouthed, the most amazingly sexist a huge breasted druggie with an exaggerated large ass and many bikini wearing extras at a gym swimming pool. All are mind blowingly offensive and unfunny, not that all of the other characters aren't just as insanely crude. By way of plot it's surprisingly good for a Michael Bay movie because it exists, which is more than you can say for some of his previous travesties. I could not believe my eyes when Pain and Gains three leads were actually played quite well. Wahlberg, The Rock and Mackie all give respectable performances and will not be nominated for any Golden Razzies like Shia La Douche. While it is quite obviously exaggerated for dramatic effect, despite a caption occasionally popping up saying: This is still true, the plot is very interesting and not like any other movie I have seen this year.
Following directors tradition Pain and Gain has no inner message even if it tries to be philosophical, but in contrast to the directors tradition it is very exciting and not just moving pictures infront of your eyes which do not engage your brain
Pain and Gain is the most surprising movie of the year even if it's not very good. I found it to be mildly enjoyable.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

is_isSep 7, 2013

Holy crap....The Rock can actually act?

I will admit, I had low expectations coming into this, but I found myself laughing and genuinely enjoying every second. It was a bizarre, action packed, dark comedy that is definitely worth a watch.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

RalphsReviewsApr 28, 2013

Pain in Gain is what I consider to be the beginning of the big dumb summer films. While it is not as action pact or EXPLOSIVE as other summer films as well as other Michael Bay films, it is certainly one of the most crazy films I've seen in aPain in Gain is what I consider to be the beginning of the big dumb summer films. While it is not as action pact or EXPLOSIVE as other summer films as well as other Michael Bay films, it is certainly one of the most crazy films I've seen in a while. It sounds like the dumbest plot ever until you are reminded that the story being told is based on actual events. The film is great for what it is and considering other Michael Bay films, this is definitely one of his better ones. Michael Bays "style" works well with this story and all the acting is good. Marky Mark does a fine job but the star in my opinion is Dwayne Johnson who is a riot. Besides a few dumb moments and some pacing issues I think this movie is extremely entertaining and funny. It's a shame it's not getting as much praise at it deserves because Michael Bays name is on it but overall, it is worth a watch.… Expand

7 of 10 users found this helpful73

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3

CriticWesMay 25, 2013

PAIN & GAIN
"Pain & Gain" is true story of a gang of bodybuilders who kidnap a wealthy businessman in order to take all of his money and assets. It stars Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Anthony Mackie and Tony Shaloub.
Although thePAIN & GAIN
"Pain & Gain" is true story of a gang of bodybuilders who kidnap a wealthy businessman in order to take all of his money and assets. It stars Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Anthony Mackie and Tony Shaloub.

Although the previews for this movie make it appear to be a fun and action packed comedy, I found it to be highly disturbing, anti-climactic, and frustrating. The fact that this film was based on a true story is disheartening, mainly from knowing the fact that people can be so stupid in real life.

The film started out pretty good, but as it progressed, it became more and more sickening and to be completely honest, I couldn't wait for it to be over.

Everyone in the film did a good job and Tony Shaloub was, in my opinion, the best thing about it. Unfortunately, good acting can't make up for a story like this one. The cinematography was strange with odd camera angles and shaky shots that made it difficult to see what was taking place at times.

I can't think of anyone to whom I would recommend this movie. I think maybe if you liked "Very Bad Things", you might like it (might).

My grade for this film: D

To view my grading scale, go to: facebook.com/CriticWes
To view my movie blog, go to: http://www.mix93.com/pages/16393587.php?… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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9

PharmbalkanApr 28, 2013

Pain & Gain is what it looks like when Michael Bay decides he wants to make a little movie, as opposed to another action epic. The director known for making bombastic action blockbusters has taken a step back to make a smaller film based on aPain & Gain is what it looks like when Michael Bay decides he wants to make a little movie, as opposed to another action epic. The director known for making bombastic action blockbusters has taken a step back to make a smaller film based on a true story, but it does not mean he put his signature style in check. Pain & Gain is very glossy film, gorgeous at times, and certainly not subtle. It is also an incredibly dark comedy, with a story so ridiculous that it has to be true, and it is. Based on a true crime story, this film does its best to depict what happens when seemingly good-natured crooks get in way over their heads and resort to drastic measures to achieve their American dream. While Bay's style can be grating for some, the mix of a strong cast and a messy, but compelling story makes this a film with a lot more going on than the standard Bay blockbuster. You want to be the same as they?
www.pharmbalkan.com make the dream a reality!… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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7

film_bugAug 14, 2013

Not my usual genre of film, but this particular one deserves a higher score simply because it is based on a true story. You cringe, you laugh, and you cringe again. It left me in complete horror and disgust in a good way, if that makesNot my usual genre of film, but this particular one deserves a higher score simply because it is based on a true story. You cringe, you laugh, and you cringe again. It left me in complete horror and disgust in a good way, if that makes sense. The acting was very convincing and really gave you a good perspective on the crime itself.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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6

theofficeApr 26, 2013

Honestly the movie has a strange dichotomy with the comedic effect directed at real people and events involved with a brutal murder. That being said the movie was well done with superb acting and was pretty dang funny in the beginning. ItHonestly the movie has a strange dichotomy with the comedic effect directed at real people and events involved with a brutal murder. That being said the movie was well done with superb acting and was pretty dang funny in the beginning. It became more "serious" in the second half but it was as if the director didn't realize that actual people were killed and tried to make it funny regardless. The result is a movie that felt wrong in some ways. In my opinion they should have tried to strike a more serious tone when the events started to turn for the worse or change the story slightly to not base it completely on real events... Alas I have no real say and just pay $11.50 to see it. I still recommend it though as it was a decent ride overall.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

Movie1997Apr 26, 2013

As most people know, director Michael Bay is most known for action and destruction (Transformers movies). But after watching this, it was somewhat of a relief to get out that alien/action and destruction side that never gets with the story.As most people know, director Michael Bay is most known for action and destruction (Transformers movies). But after watching this, it was somewhat of a relief to get out that alien/action and destruction side that never gets with the story. Yet, the movie does still contain the usually Michael Bay stuff you would normally see in some of his other movies. The storyline is a bit cross-eyed. I mean, trying to combine the actual true story with comedy only works 50% of the time. But the movie makes up for some of its stupid and unreasonable comedy with its rich and dark story. As far as acting it's really Mark (Daniel), Dwayne (Paul) and Ed (Ed) that tend to save the movie and keep up with its rich and dark storyline. But those like Anthony (Adrian) and Rebel (Robin) that make this movie loose its feel. I was also surprised that this movie wasn't as long as Michael's other movie's. I think it could be shorter if it took out its stupid "humorous" scenes. Overall, it's a Michael Bay movie that still contains some of his usual work, but also tries to change that in a more positive direction.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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7

VandyPriceJun 7, 2013

I've never been on the Michael Bay bashing train and certainly don't plan to start now as his latest, "smaller" film is likely the most interesting piece of work he will ever put to film. Interesting being the key word here as the story BayI've never been on the Michael Bay bashing train and certainly don't plan to start now as his latest, "smaller" film is likely the most interesting piece of work he will ever put to film. Interesting being the key word here as the story Bay has chosen to recount is one of the most outlandish and absurd truths that has also likely even been put to film. I have been highly anticipating Pain & Gain if not for the chance to see the now solidified movie star of Mark Wahlberg make his next move as well as watching Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson continue to skyrocket towards superstar status, but for the opportunity to see Bay stretch his visual (and maybe even storytelling) muscles with something other than big CGI robots. It has been nearly six years since the first Transformers film and in the time that Bay has delivered two sequels he has also had the growing ambition for this kind of passion project and that comes through in the execution and style with which Pain & Gain is delivered. There have already been some pretty heavy accusations and criticisms of the film thrown out and while I can understand where some of these are coming from in regards to the family of the deceased feeling this is making light of their family members deaths, the film certainly isn't glorifying the main characters and if anything, the source of the comedy comes from how stupid and incompetent these lead protagonists are in their dim-witted schemes. There are plenty of words being thrown around like homophobic or misogynistic to describe the director and his film yet it has always been clear the world these characters lived in was a world of strippers and bodybuilders who'd do anything for their physique yet likely oppose anything even the least bit gay. Those complaints are rendered mute by the fact those attributes are what create the atmosphere and the actions of the characters are so off-putting and the story so strange that it is also becomes extremely engaging.

read the whole review at www.reviewsfromabed.com… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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7

JohnnyStephensAug 31, 2013

Good film. It's without any doubt one of Michael's best pictures. It was very funny and I would watch it again!! Great action film. I saw it when it first came out and I really enjoyed it!!

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

lukechristianscNov 11, 2014

after you watch A Micheal film you feel like crap and you hate it. I have BIG expectations when i see Micheal Bay's movies my expectations are having no stereotypes also no more sexy girls , cut out the dumb humor But the humor was great inafter you watch A Micheal film you feel like crap and you hate it. I have BIG expectations when i see Micheal Bay's movies my expectations are having no stereotypes also no more sexy girls , cut out the dumb humor But the humor was great in this movie; the fact that it is Based on the true story which well it does describe that the killer's were plan old dumb but they were smart at times This movie is not an " A + " performance by the actors and the film itself There was only one stereotype in this movie Micheal Bay's casting choices for Sexual girls now the strip club scene was awesome and sexy but Bar Paly can not act she had a terrible backround story of her life , she can not act she is not beautiful she's Micheal Bay's worst girl yet since megan fox since the Transformers. Bay you are a good director you returned to your genre fim since ' Bad Boys' and well you made a worst version there is no explosions which a cime genre like this should obviously have an explosion scene. Grade B… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

mishaelSep 16, 2019

pain gain was dope let's get second one this please we love nother one bra

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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1

wvmoviefanMay 5, 2013

Deservedly belongs on all worst movies of the year list! Guess it will appeal to all those who think crackheads/body dismemberment/homophobic/chauvinistic actions and attitudes are sources for humor but being offensive is hardly beingDeservedly belongs on all worst movies of the year list! Guess it will appeal to all those who think crackheads/body dismemberment/homophobic/chauvinistic actions and attitudes are sources for humor but being offensive is hardly being "comedic." Went with high expectations knowing the cast; still angry the morning after that I spent $30.00 on this trash!… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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8

rapper2000Apr 28, 2013

an undeniably entertaining movie with a great line of actors who all deliver. I found my self to be the only one laughing at times haha. overall the movie delivered and the ROCK is massive.

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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0

fijarioApr 29, 2013

They had no likable characters in the film. The Rock was the comical relief as a born again christian. (not funny) It was like watching Dateline Murder Mystery where they were trying to make you route for the criminals. Yeah its a crazyThey had no likable characters in the film. The Rock was the comical relief as a born again christian. (not funny) It was like watching Dateline Murder Mystery where they were trying to make you route for the criminals. Yeah its a crazy true story, but should have never been made into a movie.… Expand

4 of 11 users found this helpful47

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10

ThegodfathersonApr 26, 2013

Pain and Gain is simply one of the best Micheal Bay films I have ever seen, the story is about Daniel Lugo a hotrod steroid muscleman who wants and deserves more in his life. This comic action film stars Anthony Mackie and Rebel Wilson alongPain and Gain is simply one of the best Micheal Bay films I have ever seen, the story is about Daniel Lugo a hotrod steroid muscleman who wants and deserves more in his life. This comic action film stars Anthony Mackie and Rebel Wilson along with a little spice of Dwanye Johnson. The film is awesome, the story is funny and thought provoking which is needed. The charecter of Mark Wahlberg Is very controversial and serious but when A Bay movie hits theatres he has some comedy in it. The plot is good but needs some help. The story is fresh and new. Pain and Gain is one of the best movies of the year. And I disagree with critics, how can you not like a badass movie like this?!… Expand

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

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7

TheQuietGamerMay 21, 2014

Definitely something out of the norm compared to Michael Bay's more recent movies. Rather than focusing on huge explosions and other large action set pieces, this one is largely focused on it's crazy story that is based on actual events. ForDefinitely something out of the norm compared to Michael Bay's more recent movies. Rather than focusing on huge explosions and other large action set pieces, this one is largely focused on it's crazy story that is based on actual events. For a film that's part comedy, I found that the humor often failed to connect. Still, despite that this is one that is still worth a watch thanks to it's great cast and unbelievable story.

As always Mark Wahlberg nails it. His performance, along with the rest of the cast, is excellent. However the real show-stealer here I found to be Dwayne Johnson. This is probably one of the craziest characters Johnson has ever played, and he plays it to darn near-perfection. As far as plot goes this is one of the craziest movies I have ever seen. There's a lot of crazy and shocking stuff happening on screen, and most of it because of how hilariously idiotic the characters are. Obviously there are differences from the actual events, but I was surprised to find out just how much was gotten right here. Honestly it might not be the best or smartest film out there, but it is quite entertaining. Especially when you consider that it's based on a true story.

Overall it's a good movie. Not everything comes together perfectly in the end, and the humor never really connected for me outside of a few one-liners, but it's still worth a watch. It's one of the crazier movies I've watched in recent memory, and that actually makes it pretty fun despite the violent and disgusting stuff that often happens on-screen. My total score for the film is a 7.8/10=Good.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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7

TheWalrus2000Apr 26, 2013

Its not doubt Michael Bay's best film to date, with an amazing score and messed up story. Pain and Gain is a hard film to rate though because you wonder about Bay's sexism in the movie and the characters are hard to root for, and when i sayIts not doubt Michael Bay's best film to date, with an amazing score and messed up story. Pain and Gain is a hard film to rate though because you wonder about Bay's sexism in the movie and the characters are hard to root for, and when i say characters i mean evry last one. Strong performances came out this film and I am very proud with Bay for actually making a sensible film (or more like finally making a good film since The Rock).… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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7

ExKingSep 15, 2013

to be honest i thought this movie is going to be a terrible one, i mean come on it's a movie by michael bay, but i found myself laughing and enjoying this movie pretty well, i actually found it so entertaining that i decided to watch itto be honest i thought this movie is going to be a terrible one, i mean come on it's a movie by michael bay, but i found myself laughing and enjoying this movie pretty well, i actually found it so entertaining that i decided to watch it again, mark wahlberg gave a fantastic performance of being obnoxious, there are few mistakes in this movie such as you can see the camera man on the door mirror, and some scenes are just too weird, you keep finding yourself on a weird place again and again, but overall the movie is entertaining in a good way.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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8

el3ctr0Jun 9, 2013

Had to say i had great time with this movie! Watched it on projection in Belgrade... had quite a laugh.. can't believe it's true story.. but people do crazy things.. Great cast crazy story... what else you need to watch a movie...

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

hirak99Jan 3, 2015

An action comedy about a few body builders, getting into a venture. Everybody acted well making it come to life - Tony Shalhoub from The Monk, Mark Wahlberg from Italian Job, and especially The Rock who definitely takes the cake - because ofAn action comedy about a few body builders, getting into a venture. Everybody acted well making it come to life - Tony Shalhoub from The Monk, Mark Wahlberg from Italian Job, and especially The Rock who definitely takes the cake - because of his character, and because of portraying it so well!

Apparently this is based on real life incidents which makes it even more hilarious. Watch it and you will definitely have more than a few laughs!… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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0

NickTheCritickApr 26, 2022

What should I say about this movie? The rating may be more indicative than any word I can say.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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0

Clock_TowerJun 1, 2013

I went to the movies hoping to have a fun, casual experience with some friends. I really had no idea what this movie was about, other than it was a comedy about some body builders. I discovered pretty quickly that this movie was pure trash.I went to the movies hoping to have a fun, casual experience with some friends. I really had no idea what this movie was about, other than it was a comedy about some body builders. I discovered pretty quickly that this movie was pure trash. The majority of the "humor" in the movie was made at the expense of Christians and Jesus Christ. I left shortly after the Jesus bashing commenced, thoroughly disgusted. It's pretty shameful what the world is coming to, and what is now considered humor.
Anti-christian humor aside, the other aspects of the movie were mind numbingly dull and boring. Watching this movie was about the equivalent of having a lobotomy. You may, however, enjoy this movie if your IQ is in the single digits, or if you are incredibly high while viewing it.… Expand

3 of 12 users found this helpful39

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10

AllAroundGamerApr 29, 2013

This movie was very interesting. A blend of tragedy and dark comedy, it is one enjoyable film. The feelings for every individual character is evoked initially and changes as the movie progresses, for the better or for the worse, this movie isThis movie was very interesting. A blend of tragedy and dark comedy, it is one enjoyable film. The feelings for every individual character is evoked initially and changes as the movie progresses, for the better or for the worse, this movie is a must-watch.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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10

irepcocoabuttaApr 28, 2013

nuff said....................................................................................................................................................................................................................

4 of 22 users found this helpful418

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8

ChupwnMay 7, 2013

I actually liked Pain & Gain more than Iron Man 3. It didn't stay quite as strong in the end, but it was darkly funny the whole way through and focused on how dumb these 3 bodybuilders were.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

YuRown92May 7, 2013

New film from the director of Transformer's films is well-told story based on real events. Film has very stupid protagonists, funny jokes and profound subtext (somewhere). "Pain & Gain" is not without flaws some inconsistencies in the storyNew film from the director of Transformer's films is well-told story based on real events. Film has very stupid protagonists, funny jokes and profound subtext (somewhere). "Pain & Gain" is not without flaws some inconsistencies in the story can spoil the viewing experience. But still, this is an interesting film that would have cost his view again.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

Gamer44Jan 17, 2014

Pain and Gain was a mediocre film that fell very short in many aspects it was not really a funny comedy as everyone said neither was it and action film I really cannot think what category Pain and Gain should be in but it definitely is not aPain and Gain was a mediocre film that fell very short in many aspects it was not really a funny comedy as everyone said neither was it and action film I really cannot think what category Pain and Gain should be in but it definitely is not a comedy and by far not and action movie. Yes there was a few funny moments in the movie but unfortunately it was just not enough to make this a funny and hilarious comedy. The acting is what saved this movie from receiving a low score but it missed the plot of the genre and really cannot receive a high score either. Although it is based on a true story I believe it needed more time to perfect it… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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3

MikefromAngusOct 13, 2013

I didn't know if this movie was meant to be a comedy or not. But, I didn't find it funny. The beginning was the highlight of the movie, but half way through the movie. It fell apart.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

GatorZeroSep 23, 2015

Critics simply got this one wrong, and I don't say that easily. This movie is one hell of a ride and one of my favorites. If you like badass movies with Mark Wahlberg, you will love this. Fun insanity.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

BeatzAug 16, 2013

People need to realize this is based on a true story about one of the most bizarre cases ever! They made it weird and they way it was supposed to be. This isn't a typical movie.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

RealMuthaFApr 29, 2013

A Michael Bay movie not featuring destruction of half a megalopolis, Pain and Gain is quite a thing. The whole plot and sequences feel strongly grotesque, but the movie doesn't forget to remind you once in a while that all of this is based onA Michael Bay movie not featuring destruction of half a megalopolis, Pain and Gain is quite a thing. The whole plot and sequences feel strongly grotesque, but the movie doesn't forget to remind you once in a while that all of this is based on a true story, which is quite amazing. The utter stupidity of the main characters is sometimes outright hilarious, and sometimes pitiful. Pain and Gain is a movie about simple people who make bad decisions. Very bad ones. The main cast's performance is well-delivered, the visual side is flawless. but the pacing drops in the third quarter of the movie or so in my opinion. Anyway, it's a good movie, not without flaws, but certainly one of Bay's better ones.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

tropicAcesApr 27, 2013

I went in ready to forgive and forget about Michael Bay's previous track record. But this thing has so many annoying slo-mo shots, so many close ups, it was just impossible to not get annoyed. The movie moves at a incredibly slow pace andI went in ready to forgive and forget about Michael Bay's previous track record. But this thing has so many annoying slo-mo shots, so many close ups, it was just impossible to not get annoyed. The movie moves at a incredibly slow pace and every character except the Rock is an a-hole. This kind of movie has been done before. And done much, much better.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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7

StaticSpineNov 15, 2013

The story of stupid bodybuilders trying to get easy money and involved in a criminal story. The cast is great, the dumbness of characters seemed very convincing and fun. The movie seemed a bit long for me. Overall, worth watching if you likeThe story of stupid bodybuilders trying to get easy money and involved in a criminal story. The cast is great, the dumbness of characters seemed very convincing and fun. The movie seemed a bit long for me. Overall, worth watching if you like black comedies and yeag, this is based on a true story.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

oblique15Mar 14, 2014

Pain and gain is one crazy mess.Not all bad, I did find some stuff pretty funny. It`s crazy, funny, strange, and dumb, all in one movie. I find some of this stuff hard to believe that it could be a true Story. I mean if you pick out any ofPain and gain is one crazy mess.Not all bad, I did find some stuff pretty funny. It`s crazy, funny, strange, and dumb, all in one movie. I find some of this stuff hard to believe that it could be a true Story. I mean if you pick out any of the ridiculous stuff that happen I can believe it, but all in one wow! The Rocks character lol How did this guy not die by age 15.This was definitely original for me.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

FarewellFixMay 20, 2013

What a surprising film out of nowhere, I honestly didn't expect much from this film and had it not been for a free ticket I wouldn't of caught this in theaters, but I'm so happy I did. It has that dark and quirky humor that keeps you laughingWhat a surprising film out of nowhere, I honestly didn't expect much from this film and had it not been for a free ticket I wouldn't of caught this in theaters, but I'm so happy I did. It has that dark and quirky humor that keeps you laughing from start to finish. Each character does a great job in their respected role. Wahlberg and The Rock had me laughing at just about everything. This is surely one of the more entertaining films of the year so far in my opinion. I'm not sure if I enjoyed it as much as I did because I expected nothing, or Mark Wahlbergs dry humor just kept the movie continuously interesting and amusing. The trailer pretty much prepares you for a film that it is certainly not. I highly recommend giving this a shot, it's sad to see it not getting the credit I feel it deserves, but I believe that to be because of Bays reputation and people that couldn't look into the humor of it all. WATCH THIS MOVIE!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

TogetherLemonApr 29, 2013

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After seeing the trailer for this movie, I pretty much envisioned it to be a comedy. It turns out that the movie is actually a rather brutal depiction of a completely true story about a trio of bodybuilders who kidnap, torture, and kill people. I was honestly entertained by the movie, and I wanted to know what would happen next, but I knew that it would end poorly. Since I knew about the court rulings in real life, I knew what would happen at the end of the movie, and that made me somewhat lose interest in the movie. A major flaw of the film are its unlikeable characters. Marky Mark portrays Daniel Lugo, easily the least likable of the bunch, and he is nothing but a brutal criminal with big muscles. Luckily The Rock plays a much better role as a born again Christian, although he hits a rough spot once he becomes a cocaine addict. By the end of the movie, I felt bad for Victor Kershaw and those other two people who were killed. I honestly ended up liking Clint Eastwood as a minor character as a detective than I liked any of the three bodybuilders. This sounds like a lot of criticism, but at the end of the day I was still satisfied with this movie and I found it worth the price of admission.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

Heimskringla91May 18, 2013

Despite Michael Bay, I honestly enjoyed this movie. It kept me interested the whole length of the movie, with laughs and crazy scenes. Another reason I enjoyed it so much was the fact that if I hadn't seen this movie, I don't think I everDespite Michael Bay, I honestly enjoyed this movie. It kept me interested the whole length of the movie, with laughs and crazy scenes. Another reason I enjoyed it so much was the fact that if I hadn't seen this movie, I don't think I ever would have heard of these guys and the true story behind the madness. I think Bay did a pretty good job keeping with the story and Marky Mark was excellent. The Rock also really surprised me here, playing his role very well and hilariously. It's not a film to break any molds but it's a fun one to be sure. Much more entertaining than most of the garbage coming out today and a pleasant surprise.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

bm2759Sep 24, 2013

Idiocy, and to a lesser extent, wonder. Truly that's what I took away with me. How there 3 criminals could be that confident and stupid made me wonder why they weren't caught sooner, people didn't suspect anything let alone how they performedIdiocy, and to a lesser extent, wonder. Truly that's what I took away with me. How there 3 criminals could be that confident and stupid made me wonder why they weren't caught sooner, people didn't suspect anything let alone how they performed it.

Twice the audience is told this is a true story. It must be if were told twice because this surely could happen in the real world? But then you find out it was and I curiously looked it up after the movie to learn more. Wow.

I'm not sure if it was intended but there is a message in this film: The American dream is not achievable for everyone, which means people will resort to any means to get it. Especially when you're a fitness freak with unlimited, zealous confidence and optimism. I left the cinema thinking all these positive messages out there are great but they too needs to be restrained. Otherwise we'd be like Daniel Lugo have an inflated sense of self worth, importance and direct all the energy into something wrong, stupid or bad. And that corrective thought is a good thing.

It's a silly, funny, ridiculous ride with a serious ending to reaffirm that desires can make you do stupid things… Expand

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6

BrianMcCriticAug 13, 2013

Michael Bay directs this film in typical Michael Bay fashion with that said it is some what enjoyable. I thought the performances were strong and if Bay had shaved about thirty minutes off it may have been better. Overall this is worth atMichael Bay directs this film in typical Michael Bay fashion with that said it is some what enjoyable. I thought the performances were strong and if Bay had shaved about thirty minutes off it may have been better. Overall this is worth at least one watch. B-… Expand

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9

Enforcer122Aug 16, 2013

First off I just want to say I loved this film, fantastic story with twists, suspense, comedy and thrills. Mix in some brilliant acting, especially from The Rock and you've got yourself a fantastic film. It does help if you lift weightsFirst off I just want to say I loved this film, fantastic story with twists, suspense, comedy and thrills. Mix in some brilliant acting, especially from The Rock and you've got yourself a fantastic film. It does help if you lift weights because you find it more relateable, but there's still much fun to be had if you don't. Well worth watching.… Expand

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9

WalkingDead5640May 4, 2014

Surprisingly really enjoyed this and laughed along with the characters all the way. Great cast! It's Michael Bay, so my expectations were low to average, but I thought this was terrific and criminally fun. Mark Wahlberg and the Rock haveSurprisingly really enjoyed this and laughed along with the characters all the way. Great cast! It's Michael Bay, so my expectations were low to average, but I thought this was terrific and criminally fun. Mark Wahlberg and the Rock have always been those actors that you just like the minute they appear on screen!… Expand

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8

RosewoodApr 29, 2013

This is Michael Bay begin Michael Bay and that is great because this movie kinda of reminds me of Bad Boys A fun Michael bay movie) If you are walking in this movie looking for The Town or Blow you should forget that because this isThis is Michael Bay begin Michael Bay and that is great because this movie kinda of reminds me of Bad Boys A fun Michael bay movie) If you are walking in this movie looking for The Town or Blow you should forget that because this is basically a FUN, and Exciting move Great movie Michael Bay… Expand

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10

RyanSolomonMay 4, 2013

Pain and Gain is by far Michael Bay's best movie since The Rock. He directed a nearly perfect movie. The naysayers or this movie are probably still rapped up in the previous film by Michael Bay, Transformers 3. We can all agree that the thirdPain and Gain is by far Michael Bay's best movie since The Rock. He directed a nearly perfect movie. The naysayers or this movie are probably still rapped up in the previous film by Michael Bay, Transformers 3. We can all agree that the third and hopefully final installment of the Transformers franchise was dissapointing. However, this is definitely a redemption, it was a perfect balance between funny and serious, with a little bit of action. This movie, in better terms, was a brilliant piece of art.… Expand

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10

m2727xzMay 27, 2013

one of the best movies I sawone of the best movies I saw
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10

Patriot69Aug 15, 2013

Another example why you shouldn't listen to "critics" who lover scores because it's not silent, black and white, heart braking war story that either makes you sleepy or feel horrible inside. It's fast-paste dark comedy that would make youAnother example why you shouldn't listen to "critics" who lover scores because it's not silent, black and white, heart braking war story that either makes you sleepy or feel horrible inside. It's fast-paste dark comedy that would make you laugh at things you shouldn't. Just watch it and decide for yourself.… Expand

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8

Gamer147Aug 13, 2013

Pain & Gain received raging critic reviews, and honestly, some are well deserved. I did find flaws, such as the director making trying to make EVERY character likeable- the criminals, the victim, the private investigator, at the end of thePain & Gain received raging critic reviews, and honestly, some are well deserved. I did find flaws, such as the director making trying to make EVERY character likeable- the criminals, the victim, the private investigator, at the end of the movie I sat there, confused as to whom I am cheering for. The main character (or so it seems) isn't that likeable as well.

BUT! The movie doesn't deserve an average of 44 on the Metascore, despite its flaws, the movie was fun and entertaining to watch. The acting was great, the story was very interesting and quirky and I found myself laughing here and there.

Conclusion? Even with all its flaws, I liked this movie and would recommend it as something casual to watch.… Expand

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9

birdmannavyOct 18, 2013

A sad, disturbing movie with some really fun actors doing great satire. Like Fargo or Burn After Reading but much better. More than just a comedy saying "People are stupid", the finger here is pointed squarely at masculinity and theA sad, disturbing movie with some really fun actors doing great satire. Like Fargo or Burn After Reading but much better. More than just a comedy saying "People are stupid", the finger here is pointed squarely at masculinity and the "American Dream".… Expand

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9

jjhill001Aug 4, 2013

The story telling was unique, it was a dark comedy that was marketed as Hangover type experience which is why you see people not liking the film, that and Christian people who can't take a joke. I would say it should have been marketed asThe story telling was unique, it was a dark comedy that was marketed as Hangover type experience which is why you see people not liking the film, that and Christian people who can't take a joke. I would say it should have been marketed as more of a crime movie which is what it ends up being. Overall good movie with dishonest marketing.… Expand

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8

Websie123Sep 4, 2013

This was a decent movie. I thought that it was a lot better than the reviews give it credit for. There was a lot of over-the-top violence, and I thought that it was disturbing that they presented this true murder in a comedic tone, and itThis was a decent movie. I thought that it was a lot better than the reviews give it credit for. There was a lot of over-the-top violence, and I thought that it was disturbing that they presented this true murder in a comedic tone, and it would have been better if it was a drama, not a comedy. This was good, but way over-the-top.… Expand

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10

Sgt_SploogeDec 3, 2013

Simply a crazy movie. About a lot more than just moving iron up and down.It's about motivation, perseverance, and a will to rise above yourself.
The music they had in the movie was hilarious, and they had they same theme playing for a longSimply a crazy movie. About a lot more than just moving iron up and down.It's about motivation, perseverance, and a will to rise above yourself.
The music they had in the movie was hilarious, and they had they same theme playing for a long time. It was very different and moving, Also it has comedy, babes, and action, what more could a guy want.… Expand

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8

keemtOct 16, 2014

This will always be Michael Bay's best film, and I really don't like his films. You can tell from the first 5 minutes this is a great movie. The only reason this movie is not perfect is because it was done on a very low budget, but it stillThis will always be Michael Bay's best film, and I really don't like his films. You can tell from the first 5 minutes this is a great movie. The only reason this movie is not perfect is because it was done on a very low budget, but it still looks great. Sure they could have re-tried some acting scenes, and the movie has pacing issues, as well as a hard time making this dark comedy actually funny. But guess what? People will be talking about Pain & Gain a lot longer than Transformers 2. Pain & Gain turns the mirror on America in the best way a Hollywood movie can, and it has a lot to say.

And that music....
"I'm big....
...I'm HOT!"

Interesting note: Michael Bay's favorite movie is "Raising Arizona", and this is unbelievable until you've seen this movie.… Expand

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7

chwJun 5, 2015

This is one of Michael Bay's GOOD movies. There's only one explosion, which shows he focused more on the story (it was inspired by true events) and acting than the visual effects.

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7

walkabout_88Feb 5, 2015

Up to Pain & Gain, it was virtually impossible to understand how aware Michael Bay had become of the way his work was often perceived. This feature does feel like the film of his lifetime. Aided by a clever and funny script, its directionUp to Pain & Gain, it was virtually impossible to understand how aware Michael Bay had become of the way his work was often perceived. This feature does feel like the film of his lifetime. Aided by a clever and funny script, its direction combines all the visual traits you’d expect from a Michael Bay film and more than once clearly makes fun of them. Openly unapologetic and self-indulgent, Pain & Gain clearly shows how genuinely entertaining Bay’s films could be, once freed from the franchise logic.… Expand

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7

UltimateBubFeb 26, 2015

I cannot believe I like this movie, but I do. The story is convincingly entertaining, it is a well cast movie and I found it funny a number of times. The problem may be that's it's a little too much: a little too violent, a little too dark orI cannot believe I like this movie, but I do. The story is convincingly entertaining, it is a well cast movie and I found it funny a number of times. The problem may be that's it's a little too much: a little too violent, a little too dark or a little too light depending on the scene. The different emotions don't blend in too well, I just don't know whether there's a serious scene or a funny scene going on, I don't know if I should laugh or cry (that's a joke, no one would cry watching this... right?). But I guess I just like films where (spoilers)... bodybuilders attack or kill innocent people to make some money and then get arrested by the end of the movie.… Expand

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7

KelvinSelimorJun 29, 2021

Pain & Gain. Brains versus muscles. A funny black comedy. The fact that this whole story really happened gives a special effect to the film. All the actors performed their roles perfectly, but Dwayne Johnson deserves special praise forPain & Gain. Brains versus muscles. A funny black comedy. The fact that this whole story really happened gives a special effect to the film. All the actors performed their roles perfectly, but Dwayne Johnson deserves special praise for showing his character so versatile.… Expand

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5

Forrestgump1Jun 4, 2013

"Talk about a bizarre true story. Pain & Gain is probably one of Micheal Bay's most visceral piece of filmmaking but not his best. It has its moments of humor sadly Pain & Gain eventually falls prey to it's different, weird and vibrant style"Talk about a bizarre true story. Pain & Gain is probably one of Micheal Bay's most visceral piece of filmmaking but not his best. It has its moments of humor sadly Pain & Gain eventually falls prey to it's different, weird and vibrant style of direction." B-… Expand

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5

hoops2448Sep 2, 2013

As Michael Bay wants us to know, Pain and Gain is based on a true story, something mentioned twice during the film as to make the point that stupid things happen in this world, a point that seems so important to remind people of that BayAs Michael Bay wants us to know, Pain and Gain is based on a true story, something mentioned twice during the film as to make the point that stupid things happen in this world, a point that seems so important to remind people of that Bay makes his characters stereotypical morons, even when things get serious. When personal trailer Daniel Lugo (Mark Wahlberg) discovers one of his clients is insanely rich he decides to kidnap him and steal his things. He enlists the help of evangelist Paul Doyle (Dwayne Johnson) and his friend Adrian (Anthony Mackie) to help him pull it off. While trying to be a true crime tale of three people doing horrific things it lacks any kind of fun but Pain and Gain is not a crime film, Sure it's a film about a crime and its story is definitely true but at its heart. Pain and Gain is a surreal comedy as the actions of this trio of idiots really do make toy laugh out loud. The inner monologues that writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely have given each and every one of the three leads helps add context to this twisted tale but most of all it gives you a healthy wallop of hilarity as their inner most thoughts show them to be the dense yet oddly lovable people they are, with Dwayne Johnson being excellent as religious ex criminal Paul, a man who only really finds himself doing these things because of peer pressure (despite the quite obvious fact he is a grown man). Admiring these criminals for how far they got on limited smarts is part of the films charm but the film lacks an ending and the comedy peters off when things start hitting the fan and real people, as Bay has so subtly reminded us, start dying. Therefore the end isn't funny and it has no real resolution making Pain and Gain a rather pointless watch despite the hilarious first half,… Expand

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4

LJHayesSep 10, 2013

Best thing I can say about this movie is that I've see worse. There's a couple of funny moments in it but for the most part it's just a bit of a mess. There're a lot of seemingly major events that just kinda happen without any point orBest thing I can say about this movie is that I've see worse. There's a couple of funny moments in it but for the most part it's just a bit of a mess. There're a lot of seemingly major events that just kinda happen without any point or purpose. There's not a lot of depth to any of the characters either, though that's more the fault of the writing than the actors themselves. The whole thing just seems very erratic and aimless. At the end of this film you'll be sat wondering what the hell just happened, go home wondering what the point was to the film you just watched and ponder over what else you could've done with that two hours (although it'll seem like you've been in the cinema for way longer).… Expand

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1

Bruce722Jan 24, 2015

Pain & Gain is easily one of the worst movies I've ever seen in my entire life. The characters are all despicable, the plot is boring and the acting is mediocre at best. I literally spent every five minutes in the last half of this moviePain & Gain is easily one of the worst movies I've ever seen in my entire life. The characters are all despicable, the plot is boring and the acting is mediocre at best. I literally spent every five minutes in the last half of this movie pausing to check how much time I had left. How they got so many legitimate actors to actually lower themselves to this level is the most astonishing thing to me. Honestly, not even the stunning Bar Paly could make this movie worthwhile. Learn from me... don't waste your time.… Expand

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3

jdadams01Jun 14, 2013

Was ready for it to be over halfway through. The characters get annoying quickly and it feels like the movie is stuck in the mud early on. The stab at humor is ridiculously lacking. Michael Bay being Michael Bay, basically.

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6

BobLeeSwaggerAug 30, 2013

This movie is basically what spring breakers would have been if it had male protagonists, was a true story and was somewhat decent. Same idea: main characters want to improve their lives so they turn to crime, get in deeper and deeper, so onThis movie is basically what spring breakers would have been if it had male protagonists, was a true story and was somewhat decent. Same idea: main characters want to improve their lives so they turn to crime, get in deeper and deeper, so on and so forth. Visually pleasing as you'd expect from bay, but more creative and artsy than i was expecting. It's definitely a strange one, but worth the watch. You're kind of grow to like the characters and then towards the end you have a realization that they are just terrible terrible people.… Expand

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6

RevRonAug 19, 2013

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well...it's definitely the best Michal Bay movie I've seen...but that's not saying much. The story is cool because it's based on a true story (and the true story is pretty insane to begin with so not much Bay did seemed that nuts compared to what really happened). The problem with this film (other than Michael Bay's ADD style of filmmaking) is the movie doesn't know if it wants to be a comedy with a violent edge or a violent film with a comedy edge.

The film jumps back and forth from being brilliant and annoying constantly but the one thing that holds it all together is The Rock. Dwayne Johnson is constantly hilarious and made the film for me.… Expand

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5

LTRSep 15, 2013

I'm having trouble on what I think of this film.I like the story and idea,but the fact that these people actually did this,you can't really like the characters even though the movie wants you to.

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6

ShamAug 27, 2013

So Michael Bay returns to his Miami roots with an action packed, humorous look into a shocking true life story about the lives of three misguided body builders trying to make a big score. Personally I enjoyed the fact that Bay's back toSo Michael Bay returns to his Miami roots with an action packed, humorous look into a shocking true life story about the lives of three misguided body builders trying to make a big score. Personally I enjoyed the fact that Bay's back to classic action, with a very witty, comical script, which boast a lot of twists and shocking turns. The lead role portrayed by the boisterous Mark Wahlberg is executed with great conviction, as you almost feel for this bone-headed thug in his naivety of achieving the American dream. His co-stars are also very convincing, and Dwayne Johnston's portrayal of the simple minded ex-con is hilarious. Its great too see that at least one WWE star has a little more to offer than a set of impressive muscles. The movies great, although it does run a bit long and could have be done in about 15 minutes less. Bay's directing hasn't lost it, and he still has a few good innings left to produce some "pumped" up action. Let's just hope that he sticks to this kinda "Bad Boyish" style and has put the alien robots behind him for a while. Forget Transformers 4....Let's see Bad Boys 3 already!!!!....Will where are you?!!!… Expand

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2

FitzpaulaAug 14, 2013

What a terribly painful movie. With every passing minute you feel like your brain is dying a little bit more.
The biggest problem is probably that the movie tries so hard to be edgy that it passes by every chance of reflection which wouldWhat a terribly painful movie. With every passing minute you feel like your brain is dying a little bit more.
The biggest problem is probably that the movie tries so hard to be edgy that it passes by every chance of reflection which would have been necessary to make it watchable. If it wasn't for the pinches of humor mixed in by Dwayne Johnson's character this would be a 0.
Unaesthetic, predictable, disgustingly misogynist and, worst of all, seriously dumb.… Expand

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2

MegacritcMay 18, 2014

pain & gain is a comedy by Michael Bay about a murder case (based on a true story) where the killers are our protagonist that we are suppose to root for, while the victim is a rich jerk who is mean to everyone and deserves to be kidnapped,pain & gain is a comedy by Michael Bay about a murder case (based on a true story) where the killers are our protagonist that we are suppose to root for, while the victim is a rich jerk who is mean to everyone and deserves to be kidnapped, and robbed. And since this incident took place fairly recently, the (real) family members of the victims get to watch as their loved ones be portrayed in a bad light; as if killing them wasn't a bad enough. What kind of sick, twisted person makes a movie to poke fun at a horrible event in an attempt to make everyone laugh at it by turning it into a comedy. Now I understand that laughter can be a great cure for sadness, but you don't do it by trying to justify what the murderers did by orchestrating events that didn't happen in an attempt to make them likable in a film that's suppose to be based on a true story. I can't even imagine how the family members of the victims must feel to have someone close to them die then have a movie made to basically tell them that they deserved to die in a comedy. Let's not forget the survivors who have to watch themselves be degraded in the movie after what they went through. They even make the deaths accidental to help yo to sympathize with the murderers. The movie not even funny. Sure there are a few chuckles here and there, but the film really isn't funny. The humor basically revolves around either racial jokes or sex jokes (mainly gay-sex jokes) which come off as being either stupid or offensive (sometimes both).… Expand

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5

heeldavidJul 26, 2014

This film is too over the top and very crazy, it's not as explosive as Michael Bay's action flicks but it's just another crime film that tries to get out of the action range but Ed Harris puts on a nice performance.

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2

MacReady10Mar 15, 2014

Desolante e vuota thriller/commedia amara filmata Michael Bay. Al di là della sciatteria della messa in scena e della regia anche il film non diverte mai e dopo i primi 30 minuti già mi ero pentio di averlo iniziato a guardare. Michael BayDesolante e vuota thriller/commedia amara filmata Michael Bay. Al di là della sciatteria della messa in scena e della regia anche il film non diverte mai e dopo i primi 30 minuti già mi ero pentio di averlo iniziato a guardare. Michael Bay non ne azzecca mai una, tutti i suoi film sono scialbi e noiosi, ma forse, nell'era in cui si dice che Kubrick è noioso, ci meritiamo registi di questo calibro.… Expand

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5

Viper8787Jun 21, 2014

A True story that was not all that true, makes for a pretty unentertaining movie. It just bored me throughout most of this film. Sub par acting and action scenes that just didn't stick with me made for a underwhelming movie.

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6

MarickOct 5, 2014

Michael Bay makes good movies that's right. Me one I liked this movie. True, it's very crazy, but it makes one really nice. American Dream ... Great action movie.

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1

AxeTJan 9, 2015

Unbearably bad and a sad payday for actors like Ed Harris, even Johnson. This lousy movie proves beyond any doubt that Michael Bay is still a 14-year-old who couldn't make a film for adults if his life depended on it.
You know they reallyUnbearably bad and a sad payday for actors like Ed Harris, even Johnson. This lousy movie proves beyond any doubt that Michael Bay is still a 14-year-old who couldn't make a film for adults if his life depended on it.
You know they really screwed up when the actual true crime story is 10 times better as told on an episode of Dateline NBC than here with 1000 times more money behind it.… Expand

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2

MovieManiac83Apr 22, 2015

Michael Bay is spinning his new dark comedy Pain & Gain as a lower-budget personal project, a character piece that allows him to satisfy his fanciful muse before returning to less spiritually fulfilling endeavors. But don’t expect SundanceMichael Bay is spinning his new dark comedy Pain & Gain as a lower-budget personal project, a character piece that allows him to satisfy his fanciful muse before returning to less spiritually fulfilling endeavors. But don’t expect Sundance fodder from the man who previously blessed the world with Pearl Harbor, Armageddon, and other clattering cinematic migraines. Bay’s idea of “small” and “personal” is making a film not about giant robots—the stars of his Transformers trilogy—but manly men with the physiques and dimensions of giant robots. Set in sun-baked, steroid-addled ’90s Florida, Pain & Gain buffs up an ostensibly true story of greed and ruthless ambition into a comic-book macho fantasy of upward mobility gone awry. Any pretensions of satire, moral ambiguity, or social commentary get lost in a hurricane of empty, mindless spectacle.

Mark Wahlberg’s epic winning streak ends with the thankless lead role of a hotshot, morally slippery personal trainer who decides to take control of his life and his finances by kidnapping, torturing, and then seizing the assets of a rich, gaudy Jewish businessman (Tony Shalhoub). Often-unhelpful assistance arrives in the form of fellow gym freak Anthony Mackie and ex-con Dwayne Johnson, who clings to sobriety and faith as the cornerstones of a tough life. Due in no small part to the stupidity of the conspirators, the plot does not go according to plan. But that doesn't keep the overmatched crooks from plunging further and further into a world of criminality, from which they struggle to emerge with their lives or freedom intact.

Pain & Gain has one huge asset (literally) in the underrated Johnson, who lends his spiritual-struggler a sincere, poignant conviction (before he falls off the wagon) and a go-for-broke desperation (after he loses his spiritual center and embraces cocaine with the same intensity he once embraced Jesus’ purifying love). The squirmy humanity of Johnson’s performance stands in sharp contrast to the gratingly excessive visual style; Bay manages to recreate the overbearing and frenetic qualities of his usual fare, but at a fraction of the budget. Pain & Gain is less a satire of stupidity than a loud, brash, unapologetically vulgar celebration of aggression divorced from intellect. It’s the film Wahlberg and John C. Reilly’s characters in Boogie Nights would have written as a vehicle for themselves in a coked-up, narcissistic delirium, fatally unaware that the narrative makes them look like oblivious, dim-witted **** not the swaggering, Tony Montana-like badasses of their pop-culture–warped imaginations.… Expand

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6

FlickFreaks83Dec 11, 2015

Michael Bay's latest is a movie full of curious contradictions. It’s a grubby little indie story told with all the whoosh and whizz-bang of a summer tentpole. It’s a sort of goofy GoodFellas, based — unbelievably — on a true story, that isMichael Bay's latest is a movie full of curious contradictions. It’s a grubby little indie story told with all the whoosh and whizz-bang of a summer tentpole. It’s a sort of goofy GoodFellas, based — unbelievably — on a true story, that is simultaneously satirical and moralistic about the American Dream. And it shifts hugely between the compulsive and the indulgent. If one thing’s for sure, it’s this: Pain & Gain is never dull.

Bay’s big problem is himself. You don’t get to become a brand name in yourself (his movies have made over $4.5 billion now) and then get to deliver your “smaller” projects in relative anonymity. Not unless you’re J. K. Rowling, that is. It would have been fascinating to have seen how Pain & Gain would have been received (it was released in the US in the spring, to below-average reviews) had it had another director’s name on the poster. Just as with Rowling, who published her new crime novel, The Cuckoo’s Calling, under the pen-name Robert Galbraith, and received considerably better notices than for her first venture outside Hogwarts, Bay’s left-turn would most likely have been better appreciated.

The movie’s other problem lies in the real-life story (adapted from a series of articles from the Miami New Times) it is based on, which is so deliriously absurd it requires Bay to wryly and wittily observe with an opening title card, “Unfortunately, this is a true story,” and later, come its crackpot climax, follow-up with another stating simply: “This is still a true story.”

Seemingly invigorated by a budget on a par with the one he had for Bad Boys, and his first relatively grown-up certificate since that movie’s sequel, Bay goes to town with the material, delivering some mesmerisingly arch images — the high point being a shot of Mark Wahlberg in a swimming pool, his body size beautifully and scarily distorted beneath the water — and some cartoonish violence, barbecuing body parts and squishing skulls with an abandon that suits the story’s pumped-up excess.

His cast, meanwhile, embrace the grotesquerie with muscle-bound arms. Wahlberg plays Daniel — a man who considers being fat “more than sickening. It’s unpatriotic” and who has a six-year-old’s grasp of geography — with a coked-up, psychotic naivety, his life-philosophy the perfectly, and necessarily, simple: “Be a doer, not a don’t-er.”

With his victim Tony Shalhoub’s revolting self-made millionaire — a man prone to statements such as, “You know who invented salad? Poor people” — Daniel’s dimwit accomplices are portrayed with joyful knowingness by Anthony Mackie and Dwayne Johnson. The former thinks he’s a stud, yet has a penis made useless by steroid abuse. The latter thinks he’s a born-again Christian but is actually a psychopath. Both manage to make Daniel look like Einstein.

The movie is loads of fun, inventive and sharp when it’s introducing us to its brainless musketeers, but then gets flabby once the story proper kicks in. This is particularly true in a middle third that can’t seem to decide what point it is trying to make and which will do nothing to convince the Bay detractors that he’s capable of making a movie without sticking a camera up some hot girl’s skirt.

It’s a shame, because for the most part there is plenty to like, and it’s proof that even when not operating under gargantuan budgets and manipulating giant robots, Bay has an eye for the spectacular and an ear for the anarchic. It’s Bayhem on a budget. But Bayhem all the same. And Amen to that.

Michael Bay goes back to a Bad Boys budget and a big boys rating, for a true-life crime story thats inconsistent and frenetic, but also funny and wilfully outrageous.… Expand

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5

royben14Apr 19, 2017

i liked Pain and Gain but it frustrates me, all the potential it had, even if Bay stayed as director with someone who could helped him with the details, AND with him not interrupting the script it could have been a great film.

Bays visuali liked Pain and Gain but it frustrates me, all the potential it had, even if Bay stayed as director with someone who could helped him with the details, AND with him not interrupting the script it could have been a great film.

Bays visual style fits the American dream theme of the film but he fails in convening a message in the small details, he builds up themes but the visuals he shoot don't fit them. Bay wants to have things he likes on screen no matter what the film quality in mind.

The pacing and the performances are great (The Rock gives his greatest one, Whalberg which is hit or miss for me also acts good not in his best but not disappointing), i cant remember a lot about the editing in micro but that it was passable at least, BUT on MACRO it had some problems: My biggest problem with the editing is that it starts with a cliché " let me tell you how its all started", the shots Bay uses in that sequence are repeated later in the film (which isn't something unfamiliar to Bay). *note: in usual Bay style explosion Were exaggerated BUT it fits the patriotism of the film, i also want to say that I'm not American.* The writing, its probably Bays fault because its written by the guys who wrote all the three "Captin America" films which aren't amazingly written, but the faults in this film are not the faults in those, so its fair to assume Bay is in the wrong. There is narration which actually helps the pace and it has an excuse, but some of the voice over is bad (maybe its intentional because of the reason for the narration, which I'm not going to spoil).

The cinematography is great, the movie is full of color, you might say it has too many colors and its unrealistic and overwhelming but think of why, i can tell you:" to support the main theme of it, the dying American dream. "

But hey you may say:" you keep praising the film but your score is pretty low!" First thing a 5 for me isn't that bad, its just means not good, which the film is.
Until now i did praise the film but now... its time for my biggest problems: The comedy, the film in funny, and in its original script it would have been funnier, its obvious that Bay forced his opinion of good comedy, full of sexism racism and awkward sex jokes that not only don't fit the film, the scene or the themes, IT Doesn't FIT BAYS USUAL OBJECTING OF WOMEN which bugs my head, he somehow found something worse than that.

*note: i don't remember any details about the sound mixing or editing. but the score wasn't bad but wasn't amazing*

In conclusion:
i enjoyed the film but every time i see it i can only concentrate about the loss potential it is, its score fits it perfectly, and the blame is on Michael Bay, with some restraint he could have made something great.… Expand

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6

imtheonlytyeMar 25, 2020

I honestly quite enjoyed this movie. A bit ridiculous and frustrating at times, like some of the cinematography, was annoying, but nonetheless it was a solid film. Not very good, but not very bad. These guys were so damn stupid though hahahaI honestly quite enjoyed this movie. A bit ridiculous and frustrating at times, like some of the cinematography, was annoying, but nonetheless it was a solid film. Not very good, but not very bad. These guys were so damn stupid though hahaha I've watched this movie 3 times since it came out in 2010 and I think it's just one of those movies you watch once in a while.… Expand

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