Pain & Gain review

Are you a doer or a don’ter? That is the probing question of this crime comedy. Think big, make fast money and get humongous muscles like Mark Wahlberg and The Rock and you have the basis for the American dream that doesn’t go to plan. But it’s fun to watch. This is a true story set in the Nineties about Daniel Lugo (Wahlberg), a recently released criminal hired by a Gym owner as personal trainer to increase memberships which he does in weeks. However, he wants to make real money and live the dream lifestyle. After one of his clients Victor Kershaw (Tony Shalhoub) tells him about his wealthy lifestyle and attending a motivational workshop, Lugo becomes a doer.

With his trainer friend Adrian (Anthony Mackie) who is impotent and Paul Doyle (Dwayne Johnson) another recently released criminal turned religious lover, they extort Kershaw’s assets and then kill him. But he survives and trouble ensues for the get-rich-quick schemers. The story has resonance in a time of economic hardship and morality is questioned when the system is against you.

The American dream where hard work and determination get you what you want regardless of who you are takes a corrupt turn here. The writers tackle greedy capitalism with a sense of moral ambiguity. It proves the point that money is a necessity but ultimately it’s a downfall. Wahlberg and Johnson work well together with their dopey humour. Shalhoub is a competent character actor and he throws himself literally into this role. The rest of the cast have fun too. Director Michael Bay (Bad boys, Transformers) does his usual big thinking show with Miami pools, mansions and plenty of flesh.

Rahim Galia