As in Thomas McCarthy's first film, "The Station Agent", there is an air of loneliness to the characters in "Win Win" but also with an ability to be kind and with a whole lot of humour permeating throughout. Mike (Paul Giamatti) is approaching a mid-life crisis; the monotony of daily life and money troubles colliding. But this is a well written film and it doesn't look or feel like a mid-life crisis. Just as we get to know the characters exceedingly well (despite the short air time for some - Bobby Cannavale's Terry), a plot is introduced. Mike starts acting like a sleazy lawyer just to make some easy money, even though he's anything but a sleazy lawyer. Because he's a good guy, realities quickly catch up, and he starts taking responsibility for a troubled kid. Mostly trying to assuage his guilt of wrong-doing, but this kid happens to be a wrestling phenom and Mike is a struggling high school wrestling coach. This film could easily turn into an underdog sports story, but as I said before, this is a well written film and it doesn't look or feel like an underdog sports story. I found "Win Win" to be a great mix of character study, a mid-life crisis, and an underdog sports story all rolled into something that isn't any of the above. It's a light, funny, enjoyable slice of life that could provide a few lessons on morality but stops itself before it becomes condescending.

source: Win Win

The plot of the movie doesn't really want to make you rush out and see this but Thomas McCarthy gathers an ensemble cast and weaves a story that will touch and inspire you. This is only the director's 3rd movie but each one is worth seeing at least twice. There is no weak link here, Giamati, Ryan, Carnevale are all perfectly cast and the small town backdrop works perfectly here as well. Carnevale gets a special mention as he provided a comic element to the movie, i'm not sure if he plays his role tongue in cheek or he is intentionally this amusing but he plays a great foil to Giamatti's serious guy role. A great first role for Alex shaffer as well, it'll be interesting to see how his career goes after such a bright start,.

OK, so you may not fall asleep with this movie, but let me tell you, you won't be jumping around either. What exactly is the story about? A kid who's mother is absent and seems to be a wrestling phenomenon. A granddad who leaves in a retirement home and a few conflicts of interests between adults that seem to all be connected with this lost teenager. So what? honestly, I think a movie should present a problem in the first few minutes, and you should spend the rest of the movie thinking what the outcome will be. But, in this case, it's kind of unclear. OK, it gets easier as the movie progresses with the introduction of the mother figure, but she comes so late in the movie, that it does not feel like she is the reason why of this movie. Unsurprisingly for me, this movie did not do too well... and will quickly be forgotten. Next.

Anticipation 1 Conflict 2 Engagement 2 Entertainment 2 Production 1 Total 8

This film is a heartwarming, honest look at what it takes to win in everyday life, when sometimes that makes for unethical choices with consequences, and the winning actually comes from unexpected places. The excellent performances from the entire cast are spot on, and help to portray each flawed character in a way in which you can understand and sympathize with their perspective. It's a complex film, more of a drama than a comedy, but still one that compels you to keep watching and you leave the theater completely satisfied. There is an indie feel to the film with understated star-power performances and a great script.

This movie reminds people not only of how good (or bad) they can be, but also gives a lot of hope, reminding you that there's always a balance out there. As a movie, it reminds me on a fact that you do not have to have millions to make the movie great. Mr. McCarthy is in many ways like Clint Eastwood. There's a good story, master direction, perfect casting, actors that can show (an they really do) their art, excellent music and everything else that makes, in perfect balance, a funny and a heart warming film to be recommended to anyone that wants the time spending watching well worth it. Just watch this movie and you'll be glad that you did.

A lawyer living in a rural town, finds it hard to make ends meet, after a quick money making scheme goes sideways a teenage boy ends up on his doorstep. It's a heart warming story of how a simple life can be turned upside down. These kind of stories only gain traction depending if you can relate to it. So if you are bringing up a family or if you found it hard to find a home this ones for you.

This movie starts with a light story but thickens as it progresses. The story revolves around a lawyer who will do anything to earn money for his family. The movie packs in a great storyline. The crew of the movie, just make the movie more realistic. Also, the movie has a great moral to it. I really enjoyed watching this movie and I recommend this movie to all.

What an amazing window into the life of ordinary people going through true changes. The cast, strongly lead by Paul Giamatti is just amazing and offers characters that feel so real.