Let's get this out of the way before we go any further: this movie is based on a true story, and the only thing more twisted than what really happened is the idea of turning that story into a comedy. Stranger still, it's directed by Michael Bay doing all of his usual Michael Bay shit. Yes, that means a lot of slo-mo and an abundance of classic rock propping us this sicko true crime story. There were so many times during the movie that I couldn't help but wonder "Is it wrong to laugh at this stuff?" Honestly, I'm pretty sure it was--but the movie kept making me laugh. Is it great? Lord no. It's not even close. In fact, it's pretty damn average, mainly because it's definitely too long and all of the primary characters are amusing but impossible to root for. The movie is centered on Mark Wahlberg's character, and he does a fine job with the most difficult part. Anthony Mackie was also really good in his role, but if there's one reason to see this, it's the Rock. No one has ever done a better job of playing a reformed con/cokehead with a Jesus jones as he slips back into a life a crime and rampant abuse of the powerful drug (if you don't believe me, just ask Rick James) that is cocaine, all while clinging to his Jesus jones. Virtually all of the movie's biggest laughs and better sequences are a result of the Rock flexing his acting muscles, and while I can't recommend this movie wholeheartedly, I would love to see him do something in a similar vein.
Final Grade: C
Final Grade for the Rock's Performance: A+
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