[Trailer] Foxcatcher
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When Channing Tatum first came onto the scene with Step Up, I wasn't quite sure how I felt. So, okay, the dude could dance and look pretty, but was their any more potential? Since the film, I feel as if he's an actor that has really stepped up his game in the market. As a writer who attempts comedy on the occasion, I have this newfound understanding of how difficult it is to get others to laugh. My respect for Tatum was formed with 21 Jump Street and was even more emphasized with its sequel, 22 Jump Street. (If you're questioning my judgement because of Magic Mike, please keep in mind that Matthew McConaughey still won an Oscar after that terrible film.)
Now, throw in some names like Steve Carrell and Mark Ruffalo alongside Tatum, and my interest in a film may be peaked. Foxcatcher does just that. Based on true events, the film shares the story of two champion wrestlers and their relationship with an oddball millionaire. Wealthy heir John du Pont (Carrell) invites Olympic Gold Medal Winning wrestler Mark Schultz (Tatum) to move onto his estate and work to build a team to train for the 1988 Seoul Olympics in his personal training facility. Schultz immediately seizes this opportunity in the hopes of being able to step out of the shadow of his brother, Dave (Mark Ruffalo). Du Pont sees this opportunity to coach and train a team as one to gain the respect of his peers and his own mother who looks down on him (Vanessa Redgrave).
Directed by Bennett Miller, a man with directing credentials for both Moneyball and Capote, this is a film that for sure looks worth a viewing. It will be in theaters November 14, 2014.