This summer marks the return of Michael Bay to our cinemas. The director hasn’t always favored too well with critics despite his box offices successes. Although his last film Transformer: Dark of the Moon (2011) grossed $1, 123, 746, 996 worldwide, many feel his over reliance on special effects can somewhat dampen the quality of his storytelling. However he may be about to change that with his newest film; Pain and Gain. Based upon the outrageous true story of three bodybuilders in the mid 90′s, Pain and Gain has already been described as Bay’s most thought provoking film. Could Bay be about to flip the movie world on its head and go all art house on us? Maybe not but it is definitely intriguing.
The film stars Mark Wahlberg (2 Guns, 2013), Dwanye ‘The Rock’ Johnson (Fast and Furious 6, 2013) and Anthony Mackie (Gangster Squad, 2013) as a trio of bodybuilders who become tired of their workout regime and attempt to realise something much grander. They decide to set up an extortion and torture scheme that will bring them their desired riches and aspirations. However when things go horribly wrong they try to resolve the issue in anyway possible but things go continually from bad to worse. Surrounded by money, death and seedy individuals the three men are horrendously out of their depth. Pain and Gain also stars Ed Harris (The Abyss, 1989), Tony Shalhoub (Spy Kids, 2001), Rob Corddry (Warm Bodies, 2013) and Rebel Wilson (Bridesmaids, 2011).
Illustrated as a black comedy by critics in the US, Pain and Gain is perhaps a film that is most suited to Bay’s style. The excessive and indulgent lifestyles of these men lends itself to the high octane, relentless energy that Bay has exemplified in his last few films. This ludicrous true story is almost so unbelievable that having Bay direct it amps the pomposity up even more. This rather modestly budgeted $26 million dollar film has already amassed over $49 million at the American box office and it stands a good chance of doing the same over here. Pain and Gain will be released in the UK on 30th August.
