Pain & Gain

[tsoiboy]

Saw this tonight at Newham Showcase.

A very different film from Michael Bay from his usual fodder of Transformers. No CGI in this film or cars blowing up.

I actually enjoyed this film. As a black comedy it was fine with some eye wincing moments. Essentially a true story about some dumb bodybuilders who kidnap, torture and steal from their victim. A bit hard to have any real empathy for dumb, greedy and selfish characters. Dumb and lovable, yes, you could have some sympathy. This leaves the film a little cold.

Based on a true story there are some surreal moments which I am sure you could not make up.

Mark Wahlberg and the Rock were ok but the best turn was from Ed Harris as the retired cop/private eye who tracks down the bodybuilders.

6.5/10

[Sheila]

So many unbelievable things happened - only in America ! But we really enjoyed this film

[deepeecee]

Where did this gem come from? No-one involved has given any indication that they were capable of such a cruel but hilarious film. It’s like Michael Bay decided to try and be Woody Allen and did a very fine job

[Bibby]

Brilliant and funny movie. I can't believe it's actually based on a true story! If that's what it takes to be rich, then I'd rather be poor! haha

Also, don't rush off at the end film - some very interesting stuff during end credits.

I highly recommend this film if you need a laugh!

:)

[neechofish]

I saw this last night at a packed Leeds Showcase - Arrived slightly late and sat on the front row.

I was not expecting to enjoy this but i found it fascinating. I came home and read up on the true story in disbelief. The facts meant is was hard for it not to be a comedy! Yes, i realise that the underlying crime is despicable, and not to be taken lightly, but i felt the film echoed that in its sentiment.

I certainly felt the film made it clear that the events are not to be condoned, and was as disbelieving as the viewer that it could be carried out so badly! I did not feel that this was the "point" of the film, but rather the personality disorder of Mark W's character, and the "american dream" ideal and how damaging that can be.

For me it could have been less slick and a bit "grittier" to show the history of the 3 blokes - however that may well have evoked sympathy for them which i am certain was not intended.

I was interested to read that Kershaw's character was indicted in real life within minutes ofthe trial.......for Medical insurance fraud........

FOrgetting that this is a real life story - I really enjoyed this 7.5/10

[LondonCityNights]

I really hate Michael Bay. I really liked this film. He turned his misogyny, homophobia and pornographic technique back on itself - perfect for a tale of the pointless machismo of the American Dream. I thought Dwayne Johnson was fantastic too - making a deeply unpleasant man weirdly loveable. Surprised how much I loved this.

http://www.londoncitynights.com/2013/08 ... l-bay.html

4/5*

[scootermcc]

Enjoyed this film,here's my review.

http://www.mediaeyefilm.com/screengrabs ... tcheon.php

[jasoon7]

Awesome movie, funniest movie I've seen this year- I'm guessing it's supposed to be a comedy; albeit about shocking crimes.

"The Rock" is absolutely hilarious, never would have thought he could be a top comedy actor.

Some of the lines Mark Wahlberg comes out with are also just priceless!

Thoroughly recommended!

[Uzzie]

Watched this last night in Manchester, so many comments about how hilarious this film was! :/ I did watch the same film didn't I???
I expected a movie about body building competitions, personal struggles to achieve perfection etc but I was waaay off.

With a way out there plot, even though its based on a real story, the strong cast did nothing for the film, I switched off after half an hour and I am quite the movie buff as well as liking many movies with Mark W and Dwayne J.

Sad to say but this should have gone straight to DVD...............

[RAZORBACK]

Saw this yesterday and although it wasn't quite as enjoyable as I'd hoped it would be it was still pretty solid.

Personally thought that it was only ok for the first hour or so but after that it really picked up, performance wise 'The Rock' stood head & shoulders above everyone else but the rest of the cast were at the very least pretty decent.

Although I actually like a fair amount of his films, it's been a few years now since I've actually enjoyed a Michael Bay movie so I'm quite pleased that I can describe this flick as a return to form (of sorts ) and award it a solid 7/10...