MOVIE OF THE WEEK #1 (4/8/11): WIN WIN
Credit: Kimberly Wright TM and © 2011 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
KEY CAST MEMBERS: Paul Giamatti, Bobby Cannavale, Amy Ryan, Jeffrey Tambor, Burt Young, Melanie Lynskey, Alex Shaffer, Margo Martindale, David W. Thompson, Nina Arianda, Clare Foley and Penelope Kindred
WRITER: Tom McCarthy (screenplay); Joe Tiboni & Tom McCarthy (story by)
DIRECTOR: Tom McCarthy
WEB SITE: WinWinMovie.com
THE PLOT:The latest film from the writer/director of critical successes The Visitor and The Station Agent, Win Win stars Paul Giamatti as Mike Flaherty, a lawyer with a wife (Amy Ryan), two young children (Clare Foley and Penelope Kindred) ... And a flailing legal practice. Mike is also the coach of the wrestling team at his high school alma matter, where his friend (Jeffrey Tambor) helps him out with the kids - who are, for lack of a better word, terrible - and his friend Terry Delfino
Mike catches a break, however, when he is able to convince a judge (Sharon Wilkins) to let him become the legal guardian of Leo (Burt Young), one of his few remaining clients, he sees his money woes solved thanks to the extra $1,500 a month he'll get to take care of him. What Mike doesn't count on, however, is Leo's grandson Kyle (newcomer Alex Shaffer) showing up at his home fresh from Ohio with nothing more than a bag and some tattoos.
Taking Kyle into his home, Mike quickly discovers something about Kyle: He can wrestle. Really, really well. Enrolling Kyle in school, Mike thinks he has everything under control once Alex starts showing off his athletic skills and Leo's checks start showing up. What Mike doesn't count on, however, is Cindy (Melanie Lynskey) - the estranged mother of Kyle/daughter of Leo - showing up.
What ensues is a situation that forces Mike - and the audience - to look at how to do right by others when you really just want to focus on yourself.
THE TAKE: Win Win works well by following a simple formula: Characters that never feel like caricatures, smart, snappy writing and dedicated, heartfelt performances. There are no long, over-the-top soliloquies, the dialogue is fresh and feels organic and most importantly, perhaps, Shaffer is able to deliver a very competent performance as Alex. Without him showing a strong mix of angst, occasional wisdom and naivety, the film would not work as well as it does on any level. For when he interacts as a teen, he provides a strong presence as a young man seeking a "normal" family life; likewise, when he is called upon to exude strength emotionally or physically, it exhibits the confusion and sadness necessary to propel the film forward.
Giamatti is likewise solid in his latest 'every day schlub just trying to make good and do what's best' role, for when he falters at doing so, you always feel sympathy for what he is doing and why he is doing it. Last but not least, Ryan - who pretty much has the strong mother role market on lockdown with Melissa Leo right now - is great as Mike's stern but compassionate wife while Tambor and Cannavale are funnier than they've been in quite some time on screen.
PARTING SHOT: With acting that feels personable, characters that are relatable and a story that offers a fresh take on familiar familial situations, Win Win lives up to its title and scores another one for Tom McCarthy.
RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):
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