Cast
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Mark Wahlberg
as Daniel Lugo
Dwayne Johnson
as Paul Doyle
Anthony Mackie
as Adrian Doorbal
Tony Shalhoub
as Victor Kershaw
Ed Harris
as Ed DuBois
Rob Corddry
as John Mese
Bar Paly
as Sorina Luminita
Rebel Wilson
as Ramona Eldridge
Ken Jeong
as Johnny Wu
Michael Rispoli
as Frank Griga
Keili Lefkovitz
as Krisztina Furton
Vivi Pineda
as Detective Haworth
Christopher Jestin Langstaff
as Nine-Year-Old Boy/Rusty
Gustavo Escobar
as Son of Victor Kershaw
Corinne Ferrer
as Basketball Girl
Crew
Director
- Michael Bay
Producer
- Michael Bay
- Donald De Line
- Ian Bryce
Reviews
Andres Gomez
Much better movie than anticipated.
Really hilarious in several moments and with great performances from Wahlberg, Dwayne, Mackie, Shalhoub and Harris.
Feb 9, 2014
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Comedy/Crime/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Pain & Gain distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Michael Bay brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Pain & Gain took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $25.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 130 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 190 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 205 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Pain & Gain shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Tropic Thunder, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Pain & Gain subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Speed Racer and The Nutty Professor explore similar territory, Pain & Gain stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 18, 2013
- Runtime: 2h 10m
- Budget: $25,000,000
- Revenue: $87,305,549
Where to Watch
