'WIN WIN' is definitely a win for writer/director Thomas McCarthy!

Rating: 8/10 (3 May 2011)

'WIN WIN': Four Stars (Out of Five)
Another sweet hearted character study from actor turned writer/director Thomas McCarthy (who also performed the same duties on the popular indie films 'THE STATION AGENT' and 'THE VISITOR'). This film focuses on a down on his luck attorney/high school wrestling coach who finds new hope when a promising young wrestler shows up in town. Paul Giamatti stars as the attorney / coach and ex high school wrestler Alex Shaffer makes his film debut as the hopeful talent. The film co-stars Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor, Burt Young and Melanie Lynskey. It's a very humorous and sincere drama that succeeds on almost every level.
Giamatti plays Mike Flaherty who's recently been suffering panic attacks due to very slow business at his independent New Jersey law firm. He's been severely struggling to make enough money to provide for his wife Jackie (Ryan) and two young daughters even though he holds a second job coaching wrestling at the New Providence High School, who are also on a losing streak. He sees an opportunity to make some easy extra money when a client suffering from dementia named Leo (Young) finds himself in need of a caretaker. He takes on the extra task in a somewhat morally questionable way. Then when Leo's grandson Kyle shows up at Leo's door, on the run from his drug addicted mother (Lynskey) and her abusive boyfriend, he sees an inspiring new addition to his wrestling team, due to Kyle's former championship experience at his old school.
The film is very funny at times but it never seems forced, it feels like real humor coming from real people. It's also very touching and emotionally involving but never overly sappy, as with the comedy, the drama of the film just feels very natural as well. This is probably largely due to McCarthy's simplistic but fitting directing and wonderful screenplay, which is adapted from a story co-written by McCarthy and Joe Tiboni (a first time film writer). The acting is all more than adequate as well, especially Giamatti (who can basically do no wrong) and newcomer Shaffer. The film is an all around satisfying and entertaining comedy-drama that just seems to hit all the right notes.
Watch our review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBr4LOQxrmg