First Take: Pain & Gain - misunderstood by many, but Bayhem rules large

SYNOPSIS: A trio of bodybuilders in Florida get caught up in an extortion ring and a kidnapping scheme that goes terribly wrong.

Pain & Gain is one of those films where you have to do your research before seeing it. It’s an account of a case from 1995 where 3 bodybuilders become master criminals over 8 months, and with HIM at the helm, well, it's a rarity to see a film from Mr. Bay without a single explosion...

Mark Wahlberg is on form as usual, with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson making a likable action/comedy star. However, Rebel Wilson (aka Fat Amy from Pitch Perfect) can be described as a scene-stealer in this film. However, some scenes in it are certainly not for those who are squeamish.

THE VERDICT
I know some critics have given this film a bit of a rough ride, partly on account of Bay's reputation - but as a piece of entertainment that has some comic leanings due to how mad this entire story is... it's a fun enough film for what it needs to be.

RATING: 3/5