Win Win (2011)

Win Win (R) - Review

"WWF this ain't"

A lawyer/part time wrestling coach and full time family man Mike is struggling to stay afloat and keep the iffy finances secret from his wife and kids.  He takes legal gaurdianship (and monthly stipend) of his client Leo, an elderly man with alzhiemers who Mike puts into a nursing home unbeknowst to the court.  When Leo's grandson Kyle runs away from home and attempts to live with his now vacated grandfather, Mike reluctantly brings the teenager into his own home, and as a pleasant surprise into his losing wrestling team.  But when Kyle's dysfunctional mother comes looking to claim him and his grandfather (and the money), Mike is placed between a rock an a hard place, legally, morally and financially.

A sweet realistic story by director Thomas McCarthy, one of the cowriters of Pixar's UP, the small town vibe and vigor are pleasingly portrayed.  Paul Giamatti (American Splendor) plays Mike wonderfully, a caring open hearted man with his options running out.  His wrestling team is squad of misfits, and Kyle's over confident teen swagger has rarely been so accurately portrayed.  There are some amusing sub plots with the co coaches, amusingly witty banter between Mike and his wife, amusing forgetful old guy antics.  However it is all a bit too light and airily amusing, there is nothing substantial here to really sink ones teeth into, nothing dark and chewey beyond Mike's moral quandry behind Win Win.  With every winner there is a loser.

7 Suplexes out of 10 (GOOD)