Pain & Gain is a 2013 American action comedy film directed by Michael Bay, based on a true story about a group of bodybuilders involved in a criminal scheme in Miami during the 1990s.
The screenplay, written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, is loosely adapted from a series of articles by Pete Collins published in the Miami New Times. The film stars Mark Wahlberg as Daniel Lugo, Dwayne Johnson as Paul Doyle, and Anthony Mackie as Adrian Doorbal, who collectively form the infamous "Sun Gym gang."
The plot revolves around Lugo, who becomes disillusioned with his life and decides to pursue the American Dream through any means necessary. He enlists the help of his fellow bodybuilders to kidnap a wealthy businessman, Victor Kershaw (played by Tony Shalhoub), in an attempt to extort money from him. However, the plan quickly spirals out of control, leading to a series of violent and absurd events that highlight the gang's incompetence and desperation. The film balances dark humor with intense moments, showcasing the lengths to which the characters will go in their pursuit of wealth.
Pain & Gain premiered at the 2013 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival before its wide release on April 26, 2013. The film received mixed reviews from critics; it holds a 50% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 201 reviews. While some praised its script and performances—particularly those of Wahlberg and Johnson—others criticized it for its directing style, historical inaccuracies, and excessive violence. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film was a commercial success, grossing approximately $86 million worldwide against a budget of $26 million.
With a runtime of 129 minutes, Pain & Gain explores themes of ambition, greed, and the darker side of the American Dream. The film's satirical take on crime and fitness culture provides an entertaining yet cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked desires. While it may not be a typical Michael Bay film in terms of tone, it showcases his flair for action and spectacle while tackling serious subject matter with humor.