MINI-REVIEWS: PRE-SUMMER MOVIES WORTH CONSIDERING

Review by: Sean Kayden

“PAIN & GAIN”

In this dark comedy from Michael Bay, Mark Wahlberg alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Anthony Mackie all star in this true story of three body builders in Miami who get caught up in an extortion ring and a kidnapping scheme that goes horribly wrong. “Pain & Gain” is loud, fast-paced, and wildly humorous and for that, I absolutely loved it. It may be over stylized and outrageously over-the-top, but it’s incredibly entertaining from beginning to end. Wahlberg’s character Daniel Lugo just wants to live the American dream and will go to get lengths to achieve it. With the help of fellow bodybuilders, his vision quickly becomes a reality when they rip off a shady businessman (and one of his clients), Victor Kershaw, portrayed by Tony Shalhoub. Wahlberg, Johnson, and Mackie are all terrific playing naïve, dumbfounded buffoons. Each actor brings a different element and personality to their characters and despite any overlapping similarities they’re all distinctively unlike the other. However, one thing is certain, wanting more than just the bare minimum drives them all into acting the way they do. Watching these three guys weave in and out of trouble was the most fun I’ve had at the theaters so far this year. “Pain & Gain” is worth every bit of its two hours and nine minute running time. It’s a great pre-summer flick to seek out before all the heavyhitters make their way to the plate.

Grade: 4 out of 5

“MUD”

           

Writer/director Jeff Nichols third feature film, “Mud,” tells the tale of two teenage boys that cross paths with a fugitive on the run. Together they form a pact to help him escape the bounty hunters on his trail in order to reunite him with his true love. Ellis, portrayed beautifully by Tye Sheridan is one of the boys who happen to stumble upon the title character, Mud (played in yet another strong performance by Matthew McConaughey) on an island out in the Mississippi River. The film has a deep depiction of life in the south. As it unfolds, “Mud” ultimately tells a story of love and heartbreak. Ellis believes in love at all costs even if it’s breaking down around all those it consumes.  Realistically, he may be too young to know what heartbreak truly is. Nevertheless, he continues to help Mud come together with his girlfriend, Juniper (Reese Witherspoon) and witnesses the demise of his own parent’s relationship. Ellis’ own personal view of love has wandered aloof. Unfortunately, not everything truly works to perfection in this movie particularly the hollow character Reece Witherspoon must portray alongside the pacing of the movie slows down considerably in the second act. However, “Mud” is still a breathtaking movie to view with strong performances by most of its cast and benefits from a wholly original screenplay that would have appeared to be of one adapted from a great American novel. At any rate, this was a breakthrough performance by young actor Tye Sheridan who displays both sweet and toughness with anger and vulnerability to absolute impeccability. While I didn’t love “Mud” perhaps the way I intended, I did like it enough to give it a strong recommendation.

Grade: 4 out of 5

Published by Mountain Views News on May 4th, 2013
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v07/htm/n18/p14.htm