adminAt the Movies
Prof. Joel White.
Film: Pain and Gain
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Anthony Mackie, Tony Shalhoub, Ed Harris, Nicki Bautzi, Andrew Benetti, Daniel Lugo, Noah Dorbal.
Director: Michael Bay
Cinema: Eastgate
Running time: 132 minutes
Type of film: Gangster
Age restriction: Adults only.
IT seems clear that when all restrictions placed upon films as to what they can show, and the language used in showing it, have been removed, the conscientious and addicted film-goer will look back, praisingly, and remember the film “Pain and Gain” as having played a crucial role in paving the way.
Very long, and always at least one step ahead of the most recent real-life films shown in Harare, it asks of the film-goer that he accept the idea that there are people in this world who put their own wishes even the most diabolical ahead of family, church, the law.
It claims to be a true story, and in this case, unusually, I believe it. Along the way the film is interrupted and real life data are presented, and photos shown of the actual criminals who carried out the very acts shown to the viewer.
The film is set in the American State of Florida, the state which, more than the other 49, claims to have the best, year round weather. And also, most interestingly, the most healthy residents.
Of high significance here, since this real life story opens with three characters who meet in the gym. A gym unlike any you have ever seen, since it covers acres and is fully out of doors.
In preparing for their roles in this film the actors Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson and Anthony Mackie trained for more than a year; and here present bodies that are world class.
Never formerly a fan of Mark Wahlberg, who has the role of Daniel Lugo, he has won me over, with his portrayal of the gym’s owner, who bursts forth from it, and carries along this as I’ve said real life major crime saga.
Running the length of the film and ultimately out lasting his tormentors we learn how to become a multi-millionaire by observing Victor (the actor Tony Shalhoub) who ultimately retains both his life and his wealth no thanks to the bumbling local police.
A long, convincing and highly recommended tale of real life crime, which manages to weave its successful way among the fibres which constitute the material which make up even the most advanced of local and national societies.
Online Reporter