This is a solid film that manages to overcome its Rocky formula cliches and deilver an entertaining couple of hours.  I wouldn't call the story great, and at times it stretches credibility near the breaking point, but it's ultimately saved by an outstanding cast and great fight choreography.

SPOILERS

Nick Nolte really nails the part of the alcoholic father who abused his two sons when they were young, causing his wife to flee Pittsburgh with their youngest son(Tom Hardy).  Joel Edgerton plays the older brother who has his own family now and is in the midst of getting his home foreclosed on.  Hardy's character blames his father and older brother for the death of their mother.  Both brothers enter this grand prix style MMA tournament where winner takes all.

The script takes its time establishing the characters. This dysfunctional triumvirate of father, older brother and younger brother who can't stand each other works well and adds depth to the story.  They try to talk it out but its no use.  They're a family of fighters and the only way to settle the pain is to take care of business in the ring.

This is where the film excels, IMO.  Hardy and Edgerton are completely believable as MMA fighters and the fight scenes are expertly staged.  The film is far superior in this regard to The Fighter, where Wahlberg didn't look at all like a boxer and the fight scenes were very poor.

The climactic matchup was great, although its obvious the ref would have stopped the fight long before it actually ended.  But, suspend some disbelief, and it works.

I agree with Ryan, this film deserved more attention and boxoffice than it got.
I'm sure the bean counters thought it would be "this year's The Fighter for the Oscars".
But that kind of linear logic often seems to not pan out well in the film industry.

Gavin O'Connor previously directed the USA dream team Olympic hockey film, "Miracle".
So, I can see why he was tapped to bring this project to the screen.

Sadly, I think the studio leveraged the film's release date too far in advance
It got swallowed up by the fall doldrums to stand out from the crowd.
A theatrical release closer to the holidays might've been beneficial.

However, the film itself is a stout mostly believable sports drama.
It's got that true story thing and compelling performances going for it.
Hardy and Edgarton performances feel authentic.
The character driven script never bored me, seek this one out.

E.D.