3 stars (out of 5)
Director: Thomas McCarthy
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Alex Shaffer, Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor, Burt Young, Melanie Lynskey, Margo Martindale, David W. Thompson
Rating: (M)
A cinema visit usually results from a simple desire for escapism. Unfortunately, so much often happens, with such mind-blowing whizz-bang, that relaxing is impossible.
Not so with Win Win. The third directorial feature from Thomas McCarthy (The Station Agent / The Visitor), Win Win is easily his most accessible. Paul Giamatti stars as Mike, a family man weighed down with financial woes. Too proud to share his struggles with wife Jackie (Amy Ryan), Mike happens upon a dubious financial opportunity to keep his legal practice open, and takes it.
Mike's one big passion is coaching a high school wrestling team, predictably a perennial loser. Enter Kyle, a misfit 16-year-old drifter on the run from family violence. Falling under the wing of Mike and Jackie, Kyle returns their hospitality by wrestling for Mike's team. Not only does Kyle turn out to be the best wrestler Mike has coached, his presence transforms the fortunes of the hopeless team.
The secret to Win Win is a charming little script dramatised wonderfully by the ensemble cast. As the everyman watching his world unravel, Giamatti demonstrates remarkable control. Mike is the perfect foil for his prissy wife Jackie and egocentric best friend Terry (Bobby Cannavale).
Never quite reaching the heights set by McCarthy's two previous efforts, Win Win will neither tax your intellect nor leave you wondering. But it will leave you feeling satisfied, with a big smile plastered on your face.
Best thing: A clever script with much pathos.
Worst thing: The predictable outcome.
See it with: Anyone needing a 106-minute feel-good reviver.
- Mark Orton
