In this official selection of the Sundance Film Festival, Win Win is a story about a good guy, who makes a selfish decision and has to work out the consequences. This happens in real life quite a bit, but we really don’t see a lot of it captured on screen. We mostly see good guys and bad guys, bad guys who become good guys, blah blah blah. It’s not complicated. But you know what? Life is actually pretty damn complicated and this film manages to tell a story that is quite endearing.
Although, I love Paul Giamatti, my favorite character is the teenage boy, Kyle (first time actor, Alex Shaffer). So often in movies, we see a young kid who has drug problems or talks back or is just a general pain the ass. This kid has every right to be those things based on what he’s been through, but he’s not. He’s a sweet kid. He’s really well adjusted and has an easy time making friends. He does his homework even though he hates it. He helps take out the trash. He likes to visit his grandfather. So refreshing. Sure he has problems with his mom, but it was really just so fantastic to have a teenage character not constantly at war with adults.
The supporting actors, Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development) and Bobby Cannavale (The Other Guys) play Vigman and Terry respectively and give each scene just enough comic relief and complexity. Nothing is over the top and each have a subplot that doesn’t interfere and adds further likeabilty. You really got a good grasp of the character’s relationships without unnecessary dialogue. I also enjoyed seeing Burt Young (Rocky) as the grandfather with the early stages of dementia. Nothing is overplayed and you really identify with his situation.
Paul Giamatti once again manages to capture helplessness but hopefulness. I just love this guy. He fits so well into each character you don’t even feel like it’s acting. I was really surprised by Amy Ryan (best known as Holly from The Office). I was so caught up in her performance, I had to remind myself of how I knew her.
The story is perfectly paced and you may have an idea of where it’s going, but there are so many lovely surprises along the way. Director/writer Thomas McCarthy is perhaps best known for playing Dr Bob in Meet the Parents, but I will now remember him for this and look forward to his future projects.
Rating: Go see it. It’s a win win.
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