Win Win (2011)
31KWin Win: Directed by Tom McCarthy. With Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor. A struggling lawyer and volunteer wrestling coach’s chicanery comes back to haunt him when the teenage grandson of the client he has double-crossed comes into his life.
“Win Win is the third film from talented writer/director Thomas McCarthy, and like his past indie gems The Visitor u0026amp; The Station Agent he finds a way to bring out an unexpected humor from the scenes in unique ways. Although his third film isnu0026#39;t necessarily a step up from his past endeavors, itu0026#39;s obvious McCarthy knows how to tell a good story.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWin Win is blessed with a talented cast, and although there isnu0026#39;t any major stretches or performances to be blown away by, itu0026#39;s a talented cast from top to bottom who are very comfortable bringing these characters to life. Paul Giamatti (Sideways, American Splendor) showcases his usual mastery of the lovable loser schlub that most real people can relate to. Amy Ryan, playing the Jersey wife and protective mother with a love of Jon Bon Jovi, continues to show off her acting range from her role as Michael Scottu0026#39;s soul mate Holly on The Office, to her tour de force Academy Award nominated role in 2007u0026#39;s Gone Baby Gone.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eNewcomer Alex Shaffer displays a subtle maturity as a teenager hiding the pain from a neglectful childhood. Burt Young, best know for his role as Paulie in the Rocky movies, is terrific as Leo, an aging man dealing with the early stages of dementia. He says so much with just the smallest grin across his face.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMelanie Lynskey, probably best known as the crazy neighbor Rose on the popular sitcom Two and a Half Men, playing the greedy daughter and washed up, absentee mother continues to find ways to shine with the smallest of character parts. From her bit roles in Up in the Air, The Informant u0026amp; Away We Go itu0026#39;s only a matter of time before she gets her shot at some starring roles.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAlthough Win Win isnu0026#39;t as deep as McCarthyu0026#39;s past films, and didnu0026#39;t leave a lasting impression and keep me thinking about the movie long after the credits rolled, it found a way to accomplish something most films donu0026#39;t. It tells an entertaining, realistic, believable story and Iu0026#39;m okay with that.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eFor more quick reviews check out www.FilmStallion.com”
