Cast: Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor, Burt Young, Melanie Lynskey and Alex Shaffer
Directed by: Tom McCarthy
MPAA Rating: R for language
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 1 hr 46 min
Distribute by: Fox Searchlight Pictures
By John Delia
Just like the title Win Win, this little indie gives a heartfelt prize. A nicely acted drama that tugs at the heartstrings, the film has a lot to offer in the way of entertainment and life lessons. If you are a fan of films that work because they are a slice of life, then this is your reward.
The film centers on attorney Mike Flaherty (Paul Giamatti) who has not been doing well with his business. His partner and he are even moonlighting as wrestling coaches to earn some extra money. Mike handles general law and one of his cases involves Leo Poplar who must be placed in a nursing home because he has been diagnosed with dementia. Since he has no guardian that can represent him, Mike takes on the job that awards him a monthly income. When Leo’s grandson Kyle (Alex Shaffer) shows up wanting to be near his grandfather, Mike takes him in without realizing that this may be his chance to make things right for his world.
Win Win has big heart and with Giamatti in the lead role, he pumps life into it all over the screen. The chemistry between him and the support cast is amazing to watch. Each of the characters brings out different problems and solutions to Mike Flaherty’s life within the small town and Giamatti makes them believable.
Bobby Cannavale plays Terry and adds a lot of comic relief to the mostly dramatic script. The funny mannerisms he provides his character had me in stitches from time to time. Also in support, Alex Shaffer does a good job as the grandson who finds himself the motivation for Mike’s major decisions regarding both Leo’s and Kyle’s futures.
Tom McCarthy (The Station Agent) does a fine job of bringing all the characters together in this very meaningful story. His ability to keep the film flowing in spite of the many challenges that seem to come from so many directions within the arduous script makes Win Win a winner.
WIN WIN is rated R for language so be cautious when inviting immature children to attend the film with you.