Movie Review: Win Win

Life is predictable for the Flaherty family. Mike Flaherty works at a thankless job as a lawyer and volunteers as a coach of a high school wrestling team that never wins. One of Mike’s client requires care due to his ongoing dementia and Mike sets him up in a board and care facility. Mike finds Leo’s grandson Kyle at Leo’s home apparently with no where to go. When the Flaherty family takes Kyle in life changes for everyone involved.

Win Win is a good film, one that touches the heart but with no outright sympathy written for any of the characters which makes it a much more believable story. High school wrestling is a part of the film but the story is really about finding your way and a place to call home. The performances are strong, particularly by Giamatti, Amy Ryan, and Alex Shaffer as Leo’s grandson Kyle.

This is a heartwarming film that deserves a place on your must see list.

2011. Directed by Thomas McCarthy. Starring Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Alex Shaffer, Jeffrey Tambor, Burt Young, Melanie Lynskey, Bobby Cannavale and Margo Martindale.

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