Partly Very True to Life, Partly Truncated, Partly Cluttered

Rating: 6/10 (22 April 2011)

"Win Win" is a movie very much like "Easy A" - in that it can't make up its mind what kind of movie it is going to be. A serious movie about the wonders and frustrations of being a father, mother, son, lawyer, wrestler or coach. and/or a movie that makes light of the many obstacles and difficulties of ordinary life. I thought that Alex Shaffer was outstanding as the teenager wrestler with immense talent and a troubled background. Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan were terrific as a couple trying to deal with each new challenge in their marriage, and in their family. Each of these two actors becomes the character and then builds upon their respective roles with powerful acting skills.
This film acted like one that was badly edited and/or one that richly deserved to go back into post-production so that it could be allowed a more well-developed ending.
I thought that the role of Bobby was more of a distraction than a help.
And yet there were moments of greatness in this film, very heart-warming scenes in which good story, good writing and good acting all dove-tailed.
I would truly like to watch the director's cut of this one.
Alex Shaffer will be heard from again. He displays a fierce, intense, compassionate stage presence - many times without uttering a word. His contribution alone would make the film worth watching or watching again as I will do.