Sadly this is not a spin-off of Top Gun with Val Kilmer, nor is it a biopic on Chuck Liddel. That doesn't mean this isn't an entertaining film though. Perhaps a story about a mob hitman doesn't interest you. After all, we've already seen our fair share over the years. On paper, this project is nothing new. But the important factor is how that familiar tale is being told. In this case it is based on true events. This may…

Oddly enough, Moulin Rouge! was the first movie I watched with my wife. She loves it. I was indifferent to it. I've never been a fan of Baz Luhrmann's directing. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like any director who favored style over substance, but at times Luhrmann comes across as all style, no substance, despite the fact that he has tackled famed literary works. The Great Gatsby continues that trend of filmmaking. I fail to see how…

For as many people who are blindly devoted to certain directors, there are also those who blindly hate some of them. I don't think it's unfair to say that Michael Bay fits into this category. Make no mistake, he has earned his share of detractors over the years, but he can and has made quality movies (The Rock, Bad Boys). Pain & Gain is far from a masterpiece, but it is enjoyable enough to recommend. One of the reasons why Bay…