(CNN) -- Here is the question: Can it be called a Michael Bay film if there are no explosions? With "Pain & Gain," the director best known for action-packed films such as the "Transformers" franchise and "Armageddon" goes decidedly smaller, though no less hefty in the over-the-top nature. The film -- which opens Friday -- stars Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Anthony Mackie as a trio of hapless bodybuilders who launch a harebrained kidnapping scheme. An action-comedy, it's based on the true story of a murderous gang in Florida in the 1990s, which included a group of bodybuilders.
@highlight
"Pain & Gain" is not your usual Michael Bay fare
@highlight
The director is known for big, flashy productions with plenty of explosions
@highlight
His new dark comedy had a smaller budget and crew
For his part, @placeholder seemed to have enjoyed the respite that came with being scaled down.