Exaggerated in parts, but by no means as much as you feel it may be, Pain & Gain is a relatively accurate black comedic look at a series of horrific crimes.
With characters twisted to make them appear a bit more idiotic than they may have been, the trio of Wahlberg, Mackie and Johnson have a certain dysfunctional chemistry that allows the plot to flow and be enjoyed. But sometimes you do have to remind yourself that many of these things really happened, at times too horrible to imagine, other times perplexingly stupid.
Following the kidnap, torture and progressing crimes, the trio are represented as fairly likeable, not presented as having enough brain power to purely dislike. Wahlberg plays his leader role well, Mackie the dim, squeamish sidekick and Johnson the dim, Christian addict. In fact, their victims are made out to be the more abhorrent of all. It makes for a good film, but in reality is probably in poor taste.
The jokes aren't laughable but purely daft on how the trio progresses, meaning it's enjoyable without being funny. Everything in the plot is spelled out and everyone is given enough background for individual arcs to progress. Acting cannot be faulted and although they are slightly typecast (expect maybe Mackie who has displayed more range) it means everything fits together.
All in all, if only to learn a little about this truly unbelievable crimes, it's worth a watch.
With characters twisted to make them appear a bit more idiotic than they may have been, the trio of Wahlberg, Mackie and Johnson have a certain dysfunctional chemistry that allows the plot to flow and be enjoyed. But sometimes you do have to remind yourself that many of these things really happened, at times too horrible to imagine, other times perplexingly stupid.
Following the kidnap, torture and progressing crimes, the trio are represented as fairly likeable, not presented as having enough brain power to purely dislike. Wahlberg plays his leader role well, Mackie the dim, squeamish sidekick and Johnson the dim, Christian addict. In fact, their victims are made out to be the more abhorrent of all. It makes for a good film, but in reality is probably in poor taste.
The jokes aren't laughable but purely daft on how the trio progresses, meaning it's enjoyable without being funny. Everything in the plot is spelled out and everyone is given enough background for individual arcs to progress. Acting cannot be faulted and although they are slightly typecast (expect maybe Mackie who has displayed more range) it means everything fits together.
All in all, if only to learn a little about this truly unbelievable crimes, it's worth a watch.