Got ya pair of winners right here!
Not much is going well for Mike (Paul Giamatti). Sure outwardly everything appears well and good. Mike runs his own small law firm, has a loving family with two daughters and a wife Jackie (Amy Ryan) who loves him. On top of this Mike is the assistant to the High School wrestling team’s coach Vic (Jeffrey Tambor).
But behind the facade things are decidedly more grim. The wrestling team is struggling and lacks talent and drive, and worse still Mike’s law firm is struggling to remain afloat. In desperation Mike takes on the role of guardian for client Leo (Burt Young), not to save him from becoming a ward of the state, but for the $1,500 per month fee that accompanies the role.
In fact, even though Leo has money and a home but is suffering from early stages of dementia, Mike places him in a special care facility to alleviate his responsibilities and make it easier for himself.
No sooner does Mike place Leo in care when Kyle appears. Kyle is Leo’s grandson, a troubled alterna-type who looks like a young bottle blonde Sean Penn. Realising Kyle cannot stay with Leo, Jackie insists that he board with the family while they try to make contact with his birth mother. This takes time.
Over time Kyle’s guard gradually drops and Mike and Jackie come to understand that he is not a real juvenile delinquent, merely a kid handed a bad hand in life. A significant breakthrough happens when Kyle first asks to attend a wrestling practice session, before he joins in and instantly proves himself head and shoulders above the rest of the team.
Things are going great for Mike, Kyle and the team. Then out of the blue Kyle’s mum arrives in the scene, fresh out of rehab and bringing promises of change…
Win Win is a film dealing with dark themes – let’s start by double crossing an old man for money – but it keeps the tone light with excellent characterisation and a smattering of unforced jokes. Many of these amusing moments are provided when recently divorced Terry volunteers to assist Mike and Vic on the wrestling team then promptly takes things all too seriously.
Thankfully it isn’t a ‘kid with a heart of gold saves small town’ film, nor is it a Karate Kid set in the world of wrestling. In fact the title almost takes on an ironic meaning near the end of the film. While it isn’t going to keep you warm through the winter nights nor have you espousing it in the lunch room tomorrow, Win Win is a refreshing light comedy drama with strong performances and a realistic storyline.
Final Rating – 7.5 / 10. Think Safety not Guaranteed… But different, and you’ll be on the right track.
