Steve Carrell plays John du Pont of the renowned wealthy family, a maniacal sports fan with a fanatical desire to be winner and add to his abundant trophies. He is bent on being a mentor of an Olympic wrestling team that must win at all costs at the 1988 competition in Seoul. Du Pont’s mother, played by Vanessa Redgrave, looks down upon wrestling, instead being a fan of horses. There are obvious mother-son issues.

Channing Tatum plays Mark Schultz, who previously won an Olympic gold medal, but needs to shape up. Du Pont installs Mark on his estate and pins hopes on him. Mark’s brother Dave (Mark Ruffalo), also a wrestler, has an independent streak and doesn’t want to subjugate life with his family to the whims of du Pont. But he does finally come aboard as a coach and protector of his brother.

Mark is under immense pressure from du Pont and begins to show signs of rebellion. Eventually Dave sets terms for Mark to get a guaranteed financial stipend, much to the resentment of Du Pont even though a plan is worked out.

While Tatum and Ruffalo are excellent, the film really belongs to Carrell, who gives a properly weird performance as the wealthy, arrogant, super-patriotic manipulator. It is an unusual role for Carrell and he makes the most of the opportunity.