FILM REVIEW: Win Win

YOHEI VERDICT: 8 out of 10

The old and the new. Giamatti and Shaffer. 

Having not seen The Station Agent and The Visitor for which I am ashamed, I felt further embarrassed by that fact after viewing Director Thomas McCarthy's effective third film Win Win.  This guy has some serious cinematic talent, not only as a writer/director, but also I later found, as an actor having starred in a string of successful films (Good Night and Good Luck, Flags of our Fathers) plus TV Series' (Law and Order & The Wire).  People with this much talent shouldn't be allowed to exist.  It's just not fair.

He doesn't try anything too much in a pretentious sense with this film, but his decisions all work.  Some might say its a little formulaic for an indie incarnation, but at least its good formula that feels accomplished.  The film unfolds as Giamatti plays a disillusioned, struggling lawyer who in an uncharacteristically desperate moment, takes advantage of a clients estate.  The clients grandson (Shaffer), estranged from his parents, comes into the story and a guilt-ridden, compelled Giamatti takes him in.  Natural complications and drama ensue.

The partnership between these two actors is largely what the film plays off, and the two compliment each other well despite the vast gap in experience (Shaffer a complete newcomer).  The wrestling subplot is enabled by the fact that Shaffer was a previous wrestling champion, adding to its genuine intent.  Supporting cast add light-hearted moments to the film and its outcome is vindicated without a wishy-washy conclusion that could've been easily enticed.

A well balanced film to add to a promising collection so early in McCarthy's career.