Pain & Gain

 Director Michael Bay tones it down just a notch for this comedic look at a crime gone bad. The movie is based on a true story about three losers who decide to kidnap a wealthy businessman to get all his money and property. The premise is pretty ridiculous but amazingly it's all true.

      Mark Walhberg stars as Daniel Lugo, the "mastermind" who works in a gym and decides to kidnap one of his clients, played by Tony Shalhoub. This fitness freak enlists the help of his best friend, dimwitted Adrian Dorbal, played by Anthony Mackie to help him pull off the kidnapping. Deciding they need a third person for the job, they convince Paul Doyle, played by Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) to help them. These are the three dumbest criminals in history and what happens next is unbelievable, but as we are literally reminded, its a true story. 

      Mr. Bay shows a little restraint behind the camera but can't help show off his signature flourishes.  Stop action, slow-motion and excess violence all contribute to the ensuing mayhem. While the kidnapping turns violent, the movie is still very funny. The three leads all play dumb so well. Mr. Johnson, in particular is terrific as Paul Doyle. The film is definitely played for laughs with help from a supporting cast of Rebel Wilson and Rob Corddry.

          You will laugh a lot at the stupidity but probably feel a little disturbed if you stop to think this all really happened. After all, the story involves torture and murder. It's a smart movie about really stupid people.