Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Pain and Gain (2013)

What is it about? 

The true story of a group of bodybuilders, who kidnap and extort their way to wealth, get caught up in a myriad of situations which not only result in their capture, but reveals their insane stupidity. 

Who is in it? 

Mark Wahlberg - Daniel Lugo

Dwayne Johnson - Paul Doyle

Anthony Mackie - Adrian Doorbal

Tony Shalhoub - Victor Kershaw

Favorite Scene:

After coming up with the idea to kidnap Kershaw, the three members of the Sun Gym crew engage in various ridiculous schemes on how to kidnap Kershaw, one involving costumes of suits of ninjas and aliens.

Favorite Quote: 

Paul Doyle: We go through with this, nobody gets hurt right?
Daniel Lugo: No, man! We snatch him, we grab him, signs a few signature, we give him a protein shake! He won't even know what happened! I watched a lot of movies Paul, I know what I'm doing!

Review: 

This is such a weird film. Not because it's awkward and unique, but because you simply cannot believe that this is based on a true story. In fact, during the film, as the shenanigans are going on, the makers remind you with a caption on the bottom that says, "this is STILL a true story". Just good stuff. 

Honestly, getting past the idea of this film being true will blow your mind enough that you will immediately look up the true story afterwards online, which really wasn't altered all too much for Hollywood. 

As for the film, the real plot is made for film, and it provides a weird "three stooges" feel as the body builders from the Sun Gym goof and gaff their way through situations which are just downright stupid. Yet, at the same time, their reasoning throughout the crimes make for hilarious moments, some which are subtle enough to really make you crack up. How can you not love "The Rock" sitting in a Pontiac Fiero? 

As always, Wahlberg continues to grow into one of my all-time favorites, and Dwayne Johnson (He'll always be The Rock to me) and Anthony Mackie are great in their supporting roles. 

This film isn't one that will blow you away, but is intriguing enough because of the absolutely too-good-to-be-true plot. 

Review: 3/5
Labels:

Recently Read

Would You Rather: Questions 121-130

This edition of "Would You Rather" is credited to the NBA Would You Rather NBA Account on Instagram ( See Here ). Adding to the fun, this edition (and possibly future ones) are all NBA basketball questions.  121. Who would you rather have on your favorite NBA team - Giannis Antetokounpo or James Harden?  Seeing how I'm a lifelong suffering Knicks fan, the thought of any of these guys in blue and orange is hard to believe. With that said, I'm taking the Greek Freak for this reason - I enjoy watching him play a bit more. Nothing against Harden who is amazing as well, but at times, the ball sticks and that isn't always fun. Plus, I feel like we haven't yet seen a finished Giannis. 122. Would you rather have Giannis Antetokounpo with no driving ability or James Harden with no Three-Point shooting ability?  This is definitely a weird and unique one, but I'll take Harden. Giannis without his strength doesn't offer much. However, if Harden's d...
Read more

Yankees Postseason 2026, ALDS vs. Rays

This is easily the most anticipated series (and most expected?) for the New York Yankees. The two best teams during the regular season were expected to clash to determine American League prominence.  And yes, I agree that this upcoming series says a lot about the broken playoff structure in MLB. Allow me to step onto my soapbox for a mere moment... Up we go... I've never been a fan of the expansion to six teams per league. I understand that it keeps more markets in the playoff picture come September, and it is more revenue for all (likely, the biggest reason for the expansion). Still, all it did was create a scenario where division winners were at a disadvantage, and what we're getting here is the two best teams in the league facing off in a five-game series.  Ultimately, the Tampa Bay Rays, the top seed in the American League, are given the second-best record in their first-round, in a best-of-five?  None of this makes sense.  Stepping off now... Nonetheless, fellow...
Read more

Yankees Postseason 2026, Wild Card vs. Boston Red Sox

And we're back with another one of these read-along series. It wasn't too long ago that I found myself writing every other night as my Knicks marched their way to an NBA Championship.  Man, that still feels so good to indulge in.  But here we are on a similar journey for the Yankees.  Call me crazy, but I'm just not buying that the World Series is confirmed for anyone. Baseball has been weird all year, and part of said weirdness has been the parity, or dreadfulness - however you want to look at it - around MLB. In my opinion, the Yankees' pitching depth gives them a legit chance.  And with a lockout looming, 2027 might not present another chance. Why you gotta go there, man? I'm just saying... --- Game 1 Yankees d. Red Sox, 9-0 (Yankees lead Series, 1-0) Cam Schlittler is amazing. I sat on my sofa last year in Game 3 of the Wild Card between these two very rivaled teams and it felt like that dude was the best pitcher in the world. For the moment and game, it just fe...
Read more