‘Win-Win’ film is a winner

By Zack Gill
Staff Writer

From “Rocky” to “Field of Dreams,” good sports films have been about something more than just sports. They reflect universal American themes such as competition, camaraderie and heartbreak to be effective.

In the last 10 years, the sports film genre has declined through lazy writing, but with films like “The Fighter” and now Thomas McCarthy’s “Win Win,” the genre is making the comeback so often portrayed in its films.
McCarthy’s “Win Win” is a wrestling movie, but it definitely isn’t just about wrestling. Instead, it has a script that tackles themes of moral ambiguity and family and a phenomenal cast to do it justice.

Paul Giamatti portrays Mike Flaherty, a struggling New Jersey lawyer who also coaches a local high school wrestling team with his friend Vigman (Jeffrey Tambor). In order to keep his business afloat, Flaherty becomes the legal guardian of dementia-ridden client Leo Poplar (Burt Young).

Flaherty takes the guardianship only to receive the government commission for the job and goes against Poplar’s wishes by putting him in a nursing home, instead of letting him live in his home. Soon after, Poplar’s grandson Kyle (Alex Shaffer) shows up to live with him. Flaherty and his wife (Amy Ryan) are forced to take Kyle in, especially after he displays incredible aptitude for wrestling during one of Flaherty’s practices.

First and foremost, “Win Win” shines through its exceptional performances. All of the actors in key roles contribute performances with the proper balance of heft and lightness.

Giamatti is perfect as the downtrodden Flaherty. Despite some of his questionable actions, the audience relates to and feels for Giamatti’s character. Ryan is also pitch-perfect as his tough, loving and always believable wife.

The leads of “Win Win” aren’t the only source of quality acting. McCarthy’s numerous well-written supporting roles provide ample opportunities for his talented cast. Bobby Cannavale plays Terry, Flaherty’s best friend and one of the main sources of light-hearted comic relief throughout the film.

The newly-divorced Terry supplies the film simultaneously with pathos and youthful enthusiasm as he spies on his ex-wife and gains a new drive as assistant coach of Flahtery’s wrestling team. Burt Young subtly, and never insultingly, plays a man living with dementia His tasteful reflection is accurate to what many families deal with in America today.

“Win Win” appeals to all sorts of film-goers. Fans of comedy, family dramas, sports films and introspective indies will all find something to enjoy with this film.

“Win Win” is rated R and is playing in select theaters around the country in limited release.