Win Win (2011)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Anthony L

  
  I loved the Station Agent, so my expectations were quite high for this, Thomas McCarthy's third film as director. My expectations were met. Win Win has a great story, great script, with a great cast all putting in great performances. Paul Giamatti is a reliable actor and it was… More
  I loved the Station Agent, so my expectations were quite high for this, Thomas McCarthy's third film as director. My expectations were met. Win Win has a great story, great script, with a great cast all putting in great performances. Paul Giamatti is a reliable actor and it was great to see Bobby Cannavale teamed up with McCarthy again, he hasn't been this good since The Station Agent but I'm not sure why as he is a very funny guy. I was entertained through the film but the end scene made it just that little bit extra special in my opinion. It kept it real and basically says 'and there is nothing wrong with that'. A special film, overlooked but not for long I'd imagine, I think it will have its day on DVD.

• Chris W

  
  A down on his luck small time attorney and part time wrestling coach name Mike Flaherty comes up with a scheme to keep his world afloat by becoming the guardian of an aging and senile client...a job which gives him a decent amount of money on the side. He does this at first just to… More
  A down on his luck small time attorney and part time wrestling coach name Mike Flaherty comes up with a scheme to keep his world afloat by becoming the guardian of an aging and senile client...a job which gives him a decent amount of money on the side. He does this at first just to save his ass temporarily, but then generally comes around and redeems himself by doing it for the right reasons. All of this is complicated when a teenage runaway shows up at his door, revealing himself to not only by the client's grandson (whom he's never met), but also a champion wrestler...another great thing Mike needs to make his life better. Of course there's big reveals, and things take a turn for the dramatic, but it all ends well and the characters gain the important life lessons that they need to from a situation like this. SImply put, each year has at least one feel good indie (or at least one that stands out), and for 2011, WIn Win is that film. There are some dramatic moments. and they really work, but what really makes this film a winner are the great characters, and the humor. There are multiple characters who really steal the show and ham it up, and that's not a bad thing at all in my eyes. Sure, Bobby Cannavale is a bit obnoxious here, but it is a good perforamnce. Giamatti of course delivers another finely observed role as Mike, Amy Ryan is nice as his wife, Jeffrey Tambor is pretty funny as the full time wrestling coach, and well, ya know waht? Everyone is good here. Alex Shaffer brings a lot of promise in his role as the wrestling runaway, and, in a smaller, but vital role, Melanie Lynskey really shines as Alex's deadbeat druggie mother. Heck, even the little kids in this movie are more than just tolerable. Awesome. Oh yeah, and Burt Young proves that the Rocky series is not the only place where he lets his sadly underappreciated talents shine. Well, if I seem to like this so much, then why only 4 stars? Well, I do like how, even though he has good intentions with it, Mike's scheme isn't entirely the nicest or morally proper thing in the world. Now, he's not portrayed as a sleazy shyster type of lawyer; he's a regular guy in a bad way, but still. I liked that, but the rest of the film is really pretty unoriginal and just a variation on a theme. It's well played, sure, but still, it's not all that remarkable, or really all that memorable.Plus, with all the swearing at kids during wrestling matches, some of this is rather unrealistic, and wouldn't be happening (at least not so obviously) in reality without consequences. I do really dig it though, and we need films like this to remind us not only of how great character actors in a caracter driven indie can be, but that without feel good movies, this world wold far less tolerable to deal with.

• danny d

  
  midnight in paris is the best comedy of 2011, but win win is probably the funniest. the film has laughs that are smart combined with a ton of heart, a compelling storyline, and wonderful performances from amy ryan and paul giamatti. my surprise film of the year.

• Fernando Rafael Q

  
  The latest film by indie darling Tom McCarthy (The Visitor, Up) is, to borrow a word from the title (and Charlie Sheen), "winning"Â?. Win Win is at the same time wholly original and refreshingly familiar. This sweetly comic independent dramedy features fantastic acting from… More
  The latest film by indie darling Tom McCarthy (The Visitor, Up) is, to borrow a word from the title (and Charlie Sheen), "winning"Â?. Win Win is at the same time wholly original and refreshingly familiar. This sweetly comic independent dramedy features fantastic acting from Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale (hilarious) and Melanie Lynskey. It could've gone the sappy Blind Side route (a film with similar themes) but thankfully it didn't.

• Cynthia S

  
  Fantastic movie alert!!! After so many disappointing movies, once in a while we come across a gem like this one. This movie is very entertaining, witty, and wholeheartedly wonderful. Paul Giamatti just can't seem to make anything but "the best of the best" these days. I… More
  Fantastic movie alert!!! After so many disappointing movies, once in a while we come across a gem like this one. This movie is very entertaining, witty, and wholeheartedly wonderful. Paul Giamatti just can't seem to make anything but "the best of the best" these days. I am assuming it will get an Oscar nod or two....

• Matt G

  
  'Win Win' completely exceeded my already high expectations. There are so many aspects that make this film spectacular, first is the acting. Paul Giamatti headlines this film in a masterful, flawless, and emotionally touching performance. Amy Ryan was also quite solid as well… More
  'Win Win' completely exceeded my already high expectations. There are so many aspects that make this film spectacular, first is the acting. Paul Giamatti headlines this film in a masterful, flawless, and emotionally touching performance. Amy Ryan was also quite solid as well as Alex Shaffer and Melanie Lynskey. Writer/director Tom McCarthy ONCE AGAIN continues his well-established work of creating a fantastic human drama that people can honestly relate to because the characters are obviously under appreciated and the complete opposite of abnormal, which is nice for a change. The story is refreshingly honest as well as quite creative, and it is interesting to see it surrounding a part time high school wrestling coach and lawyer, all very original throughout, avoiding the normal film cliches. 'Win Win' is definitely a win as well as one of the most terrific films of the year. A delightful gem like this hardly ever comes around.

• Dan S

  
  A lovable, realistically portrayed low-key dramedy concerning a slightly over-the-hill floundering attorney (Paul Giamatti) who teaches wrestling at a local school on the side, and how he takes in one of his older client's (Burt Young - eyyy Paulie from "Rocky")… More
  A lovable, realistically portrayed low-key dramedy concerning a slightly over-the-hill floundering attorney (Paul Giamatti) who teaches wrestling at a local school on the side, and how he takes in one of his older client's (Burt Young - eyyy Paulie from "Rocky") grandson (Alex Shaffer) after his client agrees to pay him to look over him. I like movies like this, because the relationships that take place in a small town like the one here (located in New Jersey) often interest me, and you could not find a better actor to play an everyday man than the brilliant Giamatti (one of my favorite actors). There are some problems with the film, notably some dry stretches and some occasional failed instances at humor, but the uniformly terrific acting (a Jeffrey Tambor sighting! Always a good thing) and firm realization of middle-class America is what keeps this thing ticking strong. More importantly, it is unquestionably a film for our time, being that we are in an economic struggle, and taking in strangers like the one this family does in this film speaks volumes to our undying sympathy and generosity. Granted, this happens rarely, but this movie displayed it in vivid, passionate fashion, and for that it garners an absolute recommendation.

• Jakey L

  
  When Paul Giamatti is in the cast, you know it's a drama or comedy worth watching. However, the performances of the supporting cast especially Amy Ryan and Alex Shaffer as well as the light farce pivoted the heart-warming story of the small delights and common mishaps to the… More
  When Paul Giamatti is in the cast, you know it's a drama or comedy worth watching. However, the performances of the supporting cast especially Amy Ryan and Alex Shaffer as well as the light farce pivoted the heart-warming story of the small delights and common mishaps to the level of tenderness that doesn't land on the over-sentimental. McCarthy delivered another great humanistic drama that is worth the attention.

• ♥˩ƳИИ &

  
  Cast: Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor, Burt Young, Melanie Lynskey, Alex Shaffer, Margo Martindale, David W. Thompson Director: Thomas McCarthy Summary: When down-on-his-luck part-time high school wrestling coach Mike agrees to become legal guardian to… More
  Cast: Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor, Burt Young, Melanie Lynskey, Alex Shaffer, Margo Martindale, David W. Thompson Director: Thomas McCarthy Summary: When down-on-his-luck part-time high school wrestling coach Mike agrees to become legal guardian to an elderly man, his ward's troubled grandson turns out to be a star grappler, sparking dreams of a big win -- until the boy's mother retrieves him. My Thoughts: "The indie film is a little quirky with a bit of comedy, but it's mostly a drama. I really enjoyed Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan in this movie. I thought they were well matched to play husband and wife. Alex Shaffer was a bit stiff in his performance and maybe that's how he's suppose to portray Kyle, but it was just too stiff for me. But great acting all around. The story itself is one I've seen before, but even with it being nothing new, it was still a good film and well done."

• Manu G

  
  In the game of life, you can't lose 'em all. Excellent Film! Like enduring friendships, "Win Win" grows and deepens as it unfolds. The characters become more dear, the laughs get louder and the plot thickens. The acting from Paul Giamatti was unreal and so was… More
  In the game of life, you can't lose 'em all. Excellent Film! Like enduring friendships, "Win Win" grows and deepens as it unfolds. The characters become more dear, the laughs get louder and the plot thickens. The acting from Paul Giamatti was unreal and so was everyone else in this film. The story was original and unique which gave it a plus to it's great script. Highly recommended for everyone who wants to enjoy a good solid film. Disheartened attorney Mike Flaherty (Giamatti), who moonlights as a high school wrestling coach, stumbles across a star athlete through some questionable business dealings while trying to support his family. Just as it looks like he will get a double payday, the boy's mother shows up fresh from rehab and flat broke, threatening to derail everything.

• Summer W

  
  I loved this movie. It was funny, sweet, and Paul Giamatti rocks.

• Jon J

  
  It's rare to see a film that does so much with so little. Win Win takes a typical lower-middle class family, one misunderstood teenager and a senile old man and manage to create a tale that is simultaneously heart-warming and almost scary. It highlights what humanity is willing… More
  It's rare to see a film that does so much with so little. Win Win takes a typical lower-middle class family, one misunderstood teenager and a senile old man and manage to create a tale that is simultaneously heart-warming and almost scary. It highlights what humanity is willing to do to get ahead, and what they can do to repent for their mistakes no matter how grave. Basically, it's far from a win-win scenario. That's the situation attorney and moon-lighting wrestling coach Mike Flaherty (Giamatti) finds himself when, in desperate need of cash, becomes the guardian of Leo Poplar (Young), who has started to lose his sense of reality. What he didn't foresee is that soon enough, Poplar's grandson, Kyle (Shaffer) pops up in town in need of a guardian too. At first his surly demeanor makes Mike's family's life even harder. However, when Kyle turns out to be a brilliant wrestler, everything starts improving and soon, they become a true family. Win Win doesn't just keep it simple though. Giamatti's character is far from perfect. He's surly and desperate, most often just thinking about his own goals. And yet, you still like him. He's an everyday man trying to do what he can to get by. Giamatti once again shows his acting chops. Shaffer does a great job in portraying the brooding teen Kyle and doesn't feel like just another teen role. The film's script and direction by Tom McCarthy are, however, what give the film the life that permeates its entirety. In particular, the conversations of the characters feel natural but often hilarious. This is a dramedy, after all, but be warned that the focus is on drama. The characters' struggles are believable and often multi-layered, and when it gets to the breaking point you feel as hopeless as Mike himself. Win Win doesn't do much with its core narrative, and you almost feel like something a bit more could've been done to make it go on a bit longer. Regardless, Win Win is a funny, touching and clever dramedy that is among the finest films released this year.

• Melvin W

  
  Mike Flaherty: This kids got a chance to do something special, maybe even change his life. "In the game of life, you can't lose them all." Win Win is one gem of an Indie Dramedy. Paul Giamatti gives my favorite performance of the year. As his wife, Amy Ryan also… More
  Mike Flaherty: This kids got a chance to do something special, maybe even change his life. "In the game of life, you can't lose them all." Win Win is one gem of an Indie Dramedy. Paul Giamatti gives my favorite performance of the year. As his wife, Amy Ryan also gives a spectacular performance that I really didn't see coming. Alex Schaffer gives a very good teenager performance in his first role ever. There was nothing I didn't like about this movie. The more I think about this movie; the more I think it is my favorite movie of 2011 to this point; at least my favorite American movie of 2011. It is a slow moving, funny and touching film. It moves along slowly but surely and never makes a spectacle out of the characters situations. The movie is very much like Kyle. There's a lot going on with it, but it doesn't come right out and say what that it is. It's subtle and gentle and dare I say Perfect. Tom McCarthy deserves some acclaim for this movie. He pulled a movie off that many would fail with. Many directors would go for too much emotion in spots and make it very melodramatic. McCarthy doesn't, instead he just lets everything play out as it would in life. His characters are real and the viewer never doubts that they are. Giamatti and Ryan are convincing as the parents of two who take in a teenager they don't know. Both give very real performances. Giamatti always has a knack for this. He doesn't seem like a star, but an average Joe. After watching in him a few movies though; there is no doubt he is a star. He is Paul Fucking Giamatti. I'm in love with everything about this movie. The movie has a sense of humor without relying on its humor to fill in for plot. Its humor is all in the context with the problems of its characters and the skills of Kyle. Don't overlook this movie because it didn't get a wide release. This is a movie that must be seen.

• Lenny M

  
  A bit slow at first, "but good cast and script makes win win a win win". I can guarantee a professional critic has used those exact words in their review, sadly.

• Pedro H

  
  <i>In the game of life, you can't lose 'em all.</i> <b>Let down</b> I honestly expected much more from this movie; the reason for being that the cast is so good that even if the movie lacked an interesting story line that the actors would be able to… More
  <i>In the game of life, you can't lose 'em all.</i> <b>Let down</b> I honestly expected much more from this movie; the reason for being that the cast is so good that even if the movie lacked an interesting story line that the actors would be able to pick it up. I am not suggesting that this is a bad movie, but I felt as though not a lot was put into it, not from the actors or the director. The story is not something unique, it's like "The Blind Side", where a family involuntarily adopt a young boy who has a gift in an area of sport (in this case wrestling) and the story follows the family and the complications that come with them. It can be considered a comedy, but don't expect to laugh, but rather have a few quiet giggles and that's it. By looking at the names in this movie, Giamatti, Cannavale, Ryan, Tambor, and Young, its almost instantly that you will create a great expectation for the movie based on these names. However, and most unluckily this great cast wasn't able to convince me that much. It felt as though there was something missing, some sort of connection between them and the characters given to them. The directing to isn't very good. At moments you can see the movie striving to be <b>laconic</b>, and it's almost disturbing on how hard Tom McCarthy tries to create a sense of drama in a movie that really doesn't need it. However, its not all bad; as a matter of fact if I had come to watch this movie without any expectations, I probably wouldn't be so <b>deluded</b>. But I still feel that there is a missing piece to this movie, something that I think Tom McCarthy probably felt too. <u>Jackie Flaherty:</u> <i>"This kids got a chance to do something special, maybe even change his life."</i>

• Tim S

  
  One of the best movies I have seen this year. I was floored by the simplicity of it and enjoyed all of the performances. Paul Giamatti proves again he is not only one of the best character actors around, but point blank one of the best actors out there period. Funny, dramatic, and… More
  One of the best movies I have seen this year. I was floored by the simplicity of it and enjoyed all of the performances. Paul Giamatti proves again he is not only one of the best character actors around, but point blank one of the best actors out there period. Funny, dramatic, and everything that you want in a comedy-drama. And it's really fascinating to watch NORMAL people in these situations. Especially Amy Ryan who plays one of the most normal and rational wives of all time (her facial expressions alone warrant her an Academy Award nomination). One of the simplest, but effective films I have seen in a long time. Very good.

• Kalel J

  
  Fragmentations and forced feelings; 'Win Win' is a quaint, trying excercise in small-town familial and financial struggles, that more often feels like a mash of literary techniques than a genuine dramedy. Perhaps the ultimate fault of the film lies in its many avenues of… More
  Fragmentations and forced feelings; 'Win Win' is a quaint, trying excercise in small-town familial and financial struggles, that more often feels like a mash of literary techniques than a genuine dramedy. Perhaps the ultimate fault of the film lies in its many avenues of exploration. Sports combattant, ethics lesson, marriage counseling, teenage confusion. Confusion is the avenue it works best in, as the film itself isn't quite sure where it is heading as it pits its many characters and their issues to the test. It almost pulls everything together in the end, but it's all too late. Focus is the issue on hand here, and it is the lack of which that causes problems. We are introduced to too many characters, holding too many problems, for us to truly balance everyone out. It may be called "Win Win", but there is a lot of loss in this small town.

• Steven C

  
  "Win Win" has a gentle magic about it. Tom McCarthy crafts a good film about nice people that is neither mushy nor stupid, believe it or not. It's funny, because I was just complaining the other day about how you can't find an inspirational, moral film that does… More
  "Win Win" has a gentle magic about it. Tom McCarthy crafts a good film about nice people that is neither mushy nor stupid, believe it or not. It's funny, because I was just complaining the other day about how you can't find an inspirational, moral film that does not drag religion into the picture. Well, it looks like I stand corrected. "Win Win" is inspirational. "Win Win" has a complex, moral issue at it's center. "Win Win" is not about religion. It's just about people. McCarthy crafts a lovely portrait of American life in the truest sense. While we all love dark, cerebral dramas that lean on the cynical side, it's refreshing to see "Win Win" deliver complexity without alienating anyone. It's actually pretty remarkable.

• Alireza M

  
  It's directed by Thomas McCarthy director of good movies like The Visitor and The Station Agent ,but same as his previous movies,despite its many good characteristic and having an independent soul it's forgettable.

• Emile T

  
  Charming and heartwarming film that gets a bit more dramatic in the last act, in which are thrown some lines that felt like it would have fit better on a television show. The film, though, never fails to sound more human and honest than almost any other films we've seen this… More
  Charming and heartwarming film that gets a bit more dramatic in the last act, in which are thrown some lines that felt like it would have fit better on a television show. The film, though, never fails to sound more human and honest than almost any other films we've seen this year.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings