Anyone expecting a feel good sports drama out of “Foxcatcher,” did not see the trailer and will be sorely disappointed. The movie is not “Remember the Titians” or even “Warrior.” It is more of a soul crushing character study, like “Raging Bull,” and “The Wrestler,” making it the best kind of sports movie.

“Foxcatcher” is an Academy Award-nominated sports drama directed by Bennett Miller starring Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo and Sienna Miller.

The weakest point of the movie, if any, is Miller’s directing. He brings a seat-grabbing intensity to the film by lengthening scenes to create tension. However, some scenes go on and on and it hurts the impact of the movie.

Acting is the major strength, and the best person to start with is Oscar nominee Carell. A common criticism of comedic actors is their failure of portraying serious roles. Carell is always the exception, and his role as John Du Pont in“Foxcatcher” is key evidence.

John Du Pont, the million-dollar heir to the Du Pont fortune, is an Olympic Wrestling fanatic. But he also is a despicable human being. He takes advantage of people and is the catalyst behind the major tragedy of the film.

Du Pont gives Mark Schultz, played by Tatum, $20,000 to train in Du Pont’s gym and coach his very own Olympic team, which seems like the chance of a lifetime. Mark bonds with Du Pont, looking up to him as a father figure. But, when he starts to fail his mentor, Du Pont’s true nature comes out.

Carell became the character of Du Pont by gaining 30 pounds, going through real Olympic training and putting on hours worth of make up. Carrel not only became the character physically, but emotionally; he helps you sympathize with him.

Carrell’s performance is subtle. It would have been easy to make Du Pont eccentric or grandiose, but that is not who the man was. Du Pont is a lonely guy trying to constantly impress his mother and gain companionship through his favorite sport. Carrell makes the eventual snap feel genuine.

Tatum plays Mark Schultz, who, along with his brother David, played by Ruffalo, form one of the greatest Olympic wrestling training duos ever. While both are gold medal winners, Mark continually feels as though he is living in the shadow of his brother. It eats at him every day, causing his hatred to grow.

Tatum is an actor who has a lot of criticism aimed at him. Many claim his he is just a pretty face to sell tickets with no acting ability, but the grievance is not entirely true.  While he is known for uninspired roles in “Dear John” and “Magic Mike,” under the right circumstances, as seen in “Foxcatcher,” his talent flourishes.

Schultz may not be the brightest bulb in the bunch, but Tatum makes him a complex and damaged character. Sadness and anger permeates through Schultz; he is vicious and brutal, but there always seems to be a reason. Living in the shadow of his brother has made him a brute, and a depressed young man.

“Foxcatcher” is the perfect example of a worthy Oscar nominee. All around, it is a solid film. The acting is great, writing is terrific and even the directing is generally sound. The film will be put into the pantheon of sports dramas and remembered for some time to come.

Stars: 4.5 out of 5.