"Win Win" is an unusual film because it starts out VERY slowly and I even considered turning it off--and yet I am glad I didn't. The further the film progressed, the better it got. Part of the reason it went so slowly is that I had a very hard time relating to the leading character (played by Paul Giamatti)---and it's hard staying focused on such a jerky guy. But, it also was just very slow. The film managed to soften this guy a tad but more importantly it brought in other characters and situations that made you care--and want to see how it all works out by the end.

Giamatti plays a lawyer whose practice is on the rocks. To earn some extra money, he does something unethical--he gets the court to appoint him guardian for an elderly client with the promise that he would not have the old guy (Burt Young) committed to a nursing facility but keep him home. But, instead he quickly puts the guy in an old folks home and collects a monthly stipend for being the guardian. Nice guy, huh? On the side, Giamatti works as a wrestling coach for a high school team that is just terrible. However, out of the blue, Young's grandson shows up and has no place to live--so the Coach takes him home. He and his wife soon learn that this teen has no place to live because his mom is an addict. The coach also learns, to his surprise, that the boy is a marvel at wrestling--so good, he might be good enough to get a scholarship to college! Things are looking great despite Giamatti's deception...but when the boy's mother shows up looking for money, all that they are working for appears in jeopardy.

Overall, despite the spicy language (which is a #$&@! shame since it would be great for teens to see this film and some parents might balk at this),this was an excellent film. It also shows you can like a film even if the leading man is very difficult (at first) to like. It is because you really do care for the kid and his relationships (such as with Giamatti's wife and best friend) are touching. I also liked it because of my insights into some of the film--I wrestled for several years and was a social worker who worked with families just like the one in the film--and it felt honest. The filmmakers did their homework and portrayed both very, very well. Well worth your time.

As an avid film lover of all ages and genres, the premise and cast of Win Win really appealed to me. And what can I say when I watched it? Absolutely terrific, a winner on pretty much every level and one of my personal favourites of the year. It is beautifully filmed, is directed in the surest of hands and has a good soundtrack. The script deftly balances the intriguing dilemmas presented in the story with many splashes of humour and poignancy, while the story never loses momentum or interest. The acting is also great, Paul Giamatti gives a low-key yet sincere and very believable lead performance, and Amy Ryan and Jeffrey Tambor are every bit as impressive in support. All in all, a winner of a film. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Lawyer Mike Flaherty (Paul Giamatti) does small time law. He has a loving wife Jackie (Amy Ryan). He and his law partner Stephen Vigman (Jeffrey Tambor) coach the high school wrestling team. Terry Delfino (Bobby Cannavale) is his sketchy friend. Mike has been having panic attacks for a couple of months with his practice going under. He decides to take on guardianship of Leo Poplar (Burt Young) for the $1500 monthly commission when he can't find his daughter Cindy (Melanie Lynskey). Then Leo's grandson Kyle Timmons (Alex Shaffer) comes to live with him. Kyle is actually a great wrestler and it's a win-win situation. Kyle's mom Cindy is in rehab. Mike puts Leo in a home anyways.

It's a slightly off-center indie. I wouldn't call it quirky. It's not necessarily funny. It needs to be darker to be a black comedy. The characters are likable. I wish Alex Shaffer has more charisma but at least he looks like he's a real good wrestler. It's a fine indie but it lacks a real edge. I love all the great actors here especially Giamatti. I just wish director Thomas McCarthy could bring out more power.