Pain and Gain

Based on a true story, director Michael Bay wisely chooses the black comedy route to recount this tale of dumb, dumber, and dumbest. Three weight lifters (Mark Wahberg, Anthony Mackie, & Duane Johnson) 'mastermind' the kidnappings perpetrated in this comedy of errors. Their methods are so idiotic that their story feels unreal and disturbingly funny. Bay uses his cinematic skills to create an entertaining Looney Tunes film once you overlook the heinous nature of these crimes. This better-than-expected movie walks a fine line that seems to work largely in part through the performances of Wahlberg & Johnson. Reality returns at the closing credits with real life photos of the culprits and individuals involved.

Alien gives it 3 "pain and insane" stars out of 4.