A highly tuned pile-driver of a drama

Rating: 8/10 (20 January 2015)

(77%) A film void of death, murder, and violence, yet is as intense as any thriller, horror, or action flick. With parallels to "Foxcatcher", with the student and trainer theme, only here J.K Simmons' character is not a fraud, but in fact is very gifted, and if anything is even more hardcore in his approach. Miles Teller is perfect as the gifted student, you really do believe every step of the way that the guy can achieve something if pushed, but you never truly know for sure if he is being pushed too far. This has all the bases covered in terms of acting, writing, and direction, with J.K Simmons brilliant performance just about nosing it above all else as the best asset. There's also some white-knuckle plot twists, a huge amount of politically incorrect insults thrown around, and a brilliant (and somewhat deafening) ending. A fondness for jazz isn't required to get something from this in the same sense that you don't need to like boxing to really enjoy Rocky, and as such this is deserving of a look for almost anyone looking for something well made, interesting, and memorable.