It takes skill to pull off a great sports movie, and even more to make it poignant. Win Win is a wonderful combination of sports movie and indie drama, wrapping the two into an inspirational story of family. Writer/Director Thomas McCarthy gathered a talented group of actors, writers and athletes together to make a film far overlooked at the box office and well deserving of recognition.
You can’t go wrong with Paul Giamatti. The prolific actor brings just the right combination of comedy and heart to his character, Mike Flaherty. Mike’s outlook on life is as bleak as the small Northeast town he lives in. Mike runs an elder law practice in the small town of New Providence, New Jersey, the town in which writer McCarthy and co-writer Joe Tiboni both grew up in. The writers’ connection to their hometown is apparent throughout the film, as we’re given an intimate look at New Jersey life, authentic high school wrestling attire and all. These two writers do a great job crafting Mike’s world and we’re immediately caught up in the life of this lawyer/ volunteer wrestling coach.
As director Thomas McCarthy puts it, “Mike is a decent man who make a really bad choice.” He’s a good man, a father wanting the best for his wife and two young daughters. Running low on cash, and risking losing his practice, Mike takes advantage of a wealthy client, becoming his guardian in exchange for a monthly payment. Leo Poplar (Burt Young) has been declared incompetent and because his only remaining daughter is unreachable, Leo needs to be looked after. Just as Mike is feeling alright with his decision to exploit Leo, a wrench is thrown into the works. Leo’s estranged grandson Kyle shows up on his grandfather’s doorstep. Since he can’t stay with his sick grandfather, Mike’s family takes him in. What unfolds is a story of loyalty, family and love. And of course, wrestling.
Kyle is played by first-time actor Alex Shaffer, who was cast for his wrestling merit. For a newbie to film, Shaffer is instantly likeable, and hold his own confidently alongside well-known, established actors. His straightforward, deadpan delivery is spot-on for a jaded, lost teenager looking for a home. His relationship with Mike’s family develops gradually and naturally, and we grow to love him as everyone around him gets to know the bright young man he is. The family dynamic is spot-on, and extends beyond the walls of Mike’s home.
An eccentric cast of characters includes Mike’s co-coach Vig (Jeffrey Tambor) and best friend Terry (Bobby Cannavale), both of whom become important fixtures in Kyle’s life. Giamatti and his two sidekick make a great team, and are all so natural on screen you can’t help but wish they were all around when you were in high school. The three men manage to pack the laughs into a film with strong dark undertones. There’s a constant battle between comedy and drama, right and wrong throughout the film, and each character is faced with a struggle he must overcome in order to become a better man.
Win Win is the most heartfelt, genuine film I’ve come across in a long time. It’s hard to entertain while imparting wisdom to one’s audience, but this film does just that. Strong, intelligent writing isn’t something often found in film these days, and is refreshing to come across. The writers immerse us in a world with characters and struggles we can all relate to. Win Win may have been overlooked in theaters this year, but don’t miss this wonderful indie film at home.
Bonus Features
Some fun Bonus Features include great behind-the scenes insight into Win Win. Deleted Scenes, “Tom McCarthy and Joe Tiboni discuss Win Win,” an awkward interview with one of the peripheral charcters in the film titled “David Thompson at Sundance 2011,” “A Coversation With Tom McCarthy and Paul Giamatti at Sundance 2011,” a Theatrical Trailer, and a few sneak peaks of movie and television trailers. Also included is the Music Video for “Think You Can Wait” by The National, a beautiful song featured in the film.
"Win Win" is on sale August 23, 2011 and is rated R. Comedy, Drama. Directed by Thomas Mccarthy. Written by Thomas McCarthy, Joe Tiboni. Starring Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor, Paul Giamatti.
