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Win Win
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Win Win

2011
Comedy
Drama
1h 46m
Disheartened attorney Mike Flaherty (Giamatti), who moonlights as a high school wrestling coach, stumbles across a star athlete through some questionable business dealings while trying to support his family. Just as it looks like he will get a double payday, the boy's mother shows up fresh from rehab and flat broke, threatening to derail everything. (imdb)
Directed by:
Thomas McCarthy Thomas McCarthy
Written by:
Thomas McCarthy Thomas McCarthy
Starring:
Melanie Lynskey Melanie Lynskey Paul Giamatti Paul Giamatti Burt Young Burt Young Jeffrey Tambor Jeffrey Tambor Margo Martindale Margo Martindale Bobby Cannavale Bobby Cannavale Amy Ryan Amy Ryan Alex Shaffer David W. Thompson Nina Arianda Nina Arianda Mike Diliello Marcia Haufrecht
More
Genres:
Comedy, Drama
Country:
USA
Language:
English
imdb More information at IMDb
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Win Win

2011
Comedy
Drama
1h 46m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 55.87% from 1120 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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ytadelYtadel
Rated 08 May 2011
6
70th
A warm, pleasant, inherently likable little film. It is in no way innovative or revelatory and will never be anyone's favorite movie, but it's definitely worth watching, and will play just as well on DVD as in theaters.
Rated 08 May 2011
sebbysebby
Rated 11 Oct 2011
55
36th
So this is 2011, where we are so beset with garbage at the cinema that when a nice little film with an indie sensibility like Win Win comes along, it becomes artificially elevated among critical circles due to its mere competency. The fact is that this is a very mediocre film. Literally nothing that happens stands out or will stick with you for any amount of time.
Rated 11 Oct 2011
kasperlKasperL
Rated 27 Nov 2011
50
29th
Not my idea of a win... it's more of a bland tie between pandering to the indie-crowd and being amiable. Don't get the love for this.
Rated 27 Nov 2011
kevinjosephkevinjoseph
Rated 25 Apr 2011
72
79th
A fresh, engrossing, well-written, and well-acted dramedy. It's not life-changing, but I was glad I saw it.
Rated 25 Apr 2011
moraesfelipemoraesfelipe
Rated 31 Dec 2011
63
54th
A hearted but not too sentimental sports drama, Win Win is not a great film -- I was enjoying it and knowing how was it going to end --, but it presents an entire cast giving sincere characters, real life people dealing with real life issues, and you just want to care about them. It was a joy watching this one.
Rated 31 Dec 2011
janusjanus
Rated 04 Apr 2011
70
51st
Feels like an overgrown sitcom or dramedy pilot, but the script has many admirable instances of attention to detail and is often genuinely funny. It's "nice" for better and worse.
Rated 04 Apr 2011
tjekhovTjekhov
Rated 18 Sep 2011
50
40th
Standardised-pseudo-comedy-coming-of-age-story that sincerely doesn't want to step one anyone's toes. Wow, what an accomplishment.
Rated 18 Sep 2011
mlightle3mlightle3
Rated 03 Jun 2011
90
84th
I don't know how, but Thomas McCarthy really knows what I like, and he nails this one to the wall. God, Bobby Cannavale deserves to work more.
Rated 03 Jun 2011
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 29 Jan 2012
78
54th
Giamatti's character is kind of an asshole and while the film does a good job of making us understand his situation, he's never quite sympathetic enough to make everything fit together. He is sympathetic enough to carry the movie and make it work, and that's good enough.
Rated 29 Jan 2012
bharathbharath
Rated 30 Apr 2012
72
64th
The movie starts of slow but then it catches pace and holds it well. Paul Gimatti is good as always, really liked the acting of Alex Shaffer who plays Kyle. It is not a dark comedy or anything but just a good drama sprinkled with some funny moments. A good movie to watch any time.
Rated 30 Apr 2012
slantmagSlantMag
Rated 20 Oct 2011
20
41st
"Despite embroiling its characters in thorny ethical and legal quandaries, Win Win is after only uncomplicated tidiness." - Nick Schager
Rated 20 Oct 2011
cinematicespCinematicESP
Rated 07 Sep 2011
85
69th
An extremely solid dramedy with fun characters and great performances, Giamatti and Amy Ryan especially.
Rated 07 Sep 2011
barthalenBarthalen
Rated 06 Sep 2011
72
62nd
Never too whimsical, never too heavy. Just a nice, little movie with a great cast.
Rated 06 Sep 2011
worstcasesceworstcasesce
Rated 31 Dec 2011
1
0th
I can't toss off this feeling of "enh" the film is giving me. It's pleasant enough and it has a lot of nice moments, but it's just a competent little film and basically is as nice as a film can get without it becoming great. People talk about Giamatti's acting, but I think Amy Ryan takes this one. Not a bad watch but no one will frown on you for missing it. Score is not a grade.
Rated 31 Dec 2011
tinysausagetinysausage
Rated 06 Aug 2011
74
57th
Enjoyable little film with such great acting and such a nicely structured script that you only realise in the third act that you've seen it all before.
Rated 06 Aug 2011
billkerwinbillkerwin
Rated 18 Oct 2011
76
31st
The acting and atmosphere are very good, but Flaherty's (Giamatti's) decision to movie the old man away from his home isn't sufficiently motivated. Why should he risk his law license when he could spend a chunk of the old man's savings on live-in caregivers and still keep the $1500 month? Since the entire plot hangs on this decision, its lack of credibility is unfortunate.
Rated 18 Oct 2011
glmglm
Rated 10 Apr 2011
90
92nd
89.500
Rated 10 Apr 2011
superargoSuperargo
Rated 15 Jun 2011
71
66th
One of those "nice guy movies" like "About Schmidt" or McCarthy's "The Station Agent," where the put-upon, eternally likable everyman/audience surrogate goes through some moderately tough stuff but doesn't suffer too much, and all's sunshine and lollipops by the end. A pleasant diversion.
Rated 15 Jun 2011
ozleemozleem
Rated 04 Aug 2011
80
65th
ikinci bir sans vermekten cekinmeyin, cunku bazen o sans sizin de umudunuz olur...
Rated 04 Aug 2011
forehead1forehead1
Rated 16 Dec 2012
50
48th
There's virtually no drama whatsoever in the first hour of WW, and when it finally arrives it's all pretty soft stuff and resolved very quickly. Undoubtedly the glaring fault with this otherwise-enjoyable indie (the wrestling storyline for example, given plenty of screentime without any requisite gravity or consequence): Giamatti's always watchable and its a nice film to sit through, but in the end you won't feel you've taken anything from the experience.
Rated 16 Dec 2012
glm01glm01
Rated 23 Mar 2014
80
64th
80.33.
Rated 23 Mar 2014
matthagenmatthagen
Rated 16 Jan 2024
63
77th
Seen: 2. The plot hits a number of familiar beats, but the journey is rewarding and the cast shines.
Rated 16 Jan 2024
icarusIcarus
Rated 04 Mar 2012
80
58th
A film that has its heart in the right place, even as the execution has its flaws around the edges. McCarthy emphasizes the comedy of the piece without pushing it too far over the edge and leaving the drama behind. Most everything surrounding the kid, Kyle, is well done, leaving much of his past as a loose end. Also, Amy Ryan is magnificent with her well rounded character. That said, the character of the friend and the mother are cartoonish, and the end is just a bit too neat.
Rated 04 Mar 2012
canadianorcanadianor
Rated 02 May 2011
85
82nd
"Win Win" is a bit of a slow grind on getting to the point, but it's well worth it. They let you know the high stakes game that Mike plays in order to keep his family happy and healthy, but then it's pretty much forgotten as Kyle ends up on his ward's doorstep. The genius thing is that you warm up to every character at about the same rate that the family does to newcomer Kyle. Not until you care does all that immoral action Mike was involved in come back to slap him in the head.
Rated 02 May 2011
timmotimmo
Rated 29 Sep 2011
90
66th
Great, warm story with nothing wrong with it. It's like DAN IN REAL LIFE with a script more about the economy and with a more complex protagonist.
Rated 29 Sep 2011
fuzzleshnopsfuzzleshnops
Rated 27 Sep 2011
30
14th
This movie blows. I was expecting so much better, since I love PG.
Rated 27 Sep 2011
mandymandy
Rated 29 Jan 2015
6
43rd
Engaging and enjoyable family drama.
Rated 29 Jan 2015
burrrburrr
Rated 31 May 2018
83
64th
83.00
Rated 31 May 2018
skapskap
Rated 03 Mar 2018
85
66th
There is a certain sub-genre that I would call "modest american dramedy" that is recently in much better shape than the rest of the industry. The secret of it's artistic success seems to be in its being unpretentious and sincere. These two qualities seem to be completely erased from today's cinema. Win Win may be not the best one in this genre but it still works beautifully. The plot is so natural yet it has everything to keep the attention, and everything is psychologically realistic.
Rated 03 Mar 2018
pierre_Pierre_
Rated 18 Aug 2011
15
1st
Predictible, slow, long. Could not finish it.
Rated 18 Aug 2011
lilarcorLilarcor
Rated 19 Jan 2012
84
79th
Nothing radically new, but a solid family/sport drama which avoids the very worst cliches. Excellent performances, although Bobby Cannavalle's role is very caricatured and kind of psychotic and takes too much space.
Rated 19 Jan 2012
evilmangoesEvilMangoes
Rated 11 Sep 2017
87
65th
A-
Rated 11 Sep 2017
rttntomatoesrttntomatoes
Rated 25 Dec 2013
94
85th
Rich, wonderful characters and strong performances populate Win Win, with writer/director Thomas McCarthy continuing to emerge as a great American humanist.
Rated 25 Dec 2013
isaboojumisaboojum
Rated 05 Dec 2011
3
59th
Everything about it is quiet and subdued. I like that in a film. I'd like that in life.
Rated 05 Dec 2011
stainStain
Rated 07 Apr 2011
80
68th
Another film from the Robert Benton school -- the virtues of moderation. A number of ordinary people -- some nice, others not necessarily so -- stumbling through their less than wonderful lives; some comedy and some drama ensue. A small, effective little film. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about it is that one of the plot threads is that of a screwed up kid who finds himself and blossoms upon exposure to a loving family, and that the movie doesn't make a big deal of this *at* *all*
Rated 07 Apr 2011
wmajeskawmajeska
Rated 04 Dec 2012
86
89th
Great Indie flick
Rated 04 Dec 2012
davidjohnsonDavidJohnson
Rated 18 Sep 2011
83
72nd
It started out as an average drama, but it ended up being a really solid film. Great acting all around. I liked the sort of bleakness of the whole story, it isn't completely black & white. Overall it was just a really good film, not incredible, and I might forget about it in a year, but it was worth a watch.
Rated 18 Sep 2011
filmfreak88filmfreak88
Rated 12 Oct 2011
80
78th
Proof that you can make a family film without the schmaltz and cloying mushiness. Enjoyable in its humor and lightheartedness with just the right dose of dramatic gravity.
Rated 12 Oct 2011
bowfingerbowfinger
Rated 27 Feb 2012
70
69th
whatever the fuck it takes!
Rated 27 Feb 2012
auhasarderikauhasarderik
Rated 05 Jan 2012
8
79th
Lovingly written dramedy featuring quite a winning set of characters going through the strain of a downer plot but pulling joyous aspects without betraying them or realism.
Rated 05 Jan 2012
rufamRufam
Rated 27 Feb 2016
65
42nd
Mildly funny and mildly touching, "Win Win" may adhere to a predictable, 'awkwardly' cathartic plotline too closely, but the down-to-earthness of the writing and performances give it an effortless likability. The dark beginning was my favourite bit before McCarthy gives in to a lot of easy-to-swallow resolutions in the end. But it's enjoyable through and through.
Rated 27 Feb 2016
wayofthegunwayofthegun
Rated 19 May 2012
70
40th
Not quite as witty as I would've thought, but a decent story.
Rated 19 May 2012
joeywashoutJoey_Washout
Rated 22 Jan 2013
58
35th
A slightly quirky meh.
Rated 22 Jan 2013
mike365365mike365365
Rated 26 Mar 2017
70
67th
I am a Paul Giamatti fan, and his performance was great as usual.
Rated 26 Mar 2017
damildamil
Rated 15 Aug 2012
75
81st
The plot to this film probably doesn't sound all that interesting on paper, but the talent involved makes it great. McCarthy brings a whole lot of lovely little nuances to his films and the characters within them. Led by the brilliant Paul Giamatti, the film also has an impressive cast of great character actors. It's a quirky film with an indie vibe to it, but not in an obnoxious way. I liked it a lot.
Rated 15 Aug 2012
calexicoCalexico
Rated 31 Aug 2012
80
66th
Grittier than I had expected, and all the better for it. Very touching. Great characters, especially Kyle. Excellent movie. [SPOILER] The ending was a bit too neat, tidy, and quick in comparison to the rest of the film.
Rated 31 Aug 2012
grouchoGroucho
Rated 31 May 2011
30
53rd
"McCarthy does a fine job of juggling the domestic mystery, situational comedy, and inevitable drama, and his terrific cast is well-suited to the deadpan ethical satire."
Rated 31 May 2011
stewballStewball
Rated 17 Mar 2011
80
80th
Even though Giamatti is almost always excellent, the movies he's in don't necessarily follow suit. But in this case it's excellent as well. The film is genuine from start to finish as are the characters. Don't pay any attention to the poster.
Rated 17 Mar 2011
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 14 Feb 2012
70
67th
A generally well written, cast and well made comedy-drama with a few really nice scenes. It has a foundation of solidly structured and meaningful character relationships, which is always a good thing and if you stick Paul Giamatti in the middle of your movie you'll always get a few bonus marks from me! That said I can only point to Giamatti as being the single outright brilliant thing about this movie. Everything else is good, but it's not going to amaze or emote to any great level.
Rated 14 Feb 2012
troothTrooth
Rated 31 Jan 2012
60
31st
A decent little drama/comedy. Characters are unique and interesting, but the plot is kinda predictable. There are a few unanswered questions though, and a few "guns on the wall" that went un-fired. I think it could have been tweaked in a few small ways to make it a lot better, and the ending was kind of unexpected.
Rated 31 Jan 2012
tjlmovfrks23TjlMovFrks23
Rated 26 Nov 2013
85
72nd
An off beat indie dramedy that comically and honestly heartfelt. although there was nothing specials about the characters,both Paul Giamatti and Bobby Cannavale performance were well-balanced with light punching seriousness and silly fondness. "Win Win" has sweetness and bitterness that goes seamlessly with its satire of family and relationship.Which is why this modest and well-grounded indie flick deserves a praise.
Rated 26 Nov 2013
leonardisLeonardis
Rated 01 Feb 2012
92
70th
All around solid movie. Directing isn't bad, and the writing, acting, sense of humor, and characters really drag you in. Good performacnes from Giamati and the kid, but everybody does an excellent job. Never drags either. Worth a watch for sure!
Rated 01 Feb 2012
fenixdownfenixdown
Rated 17 Nov 2011
76
58th
A fairly mediocre indie dramedy, elevated to greatness by Giamatti's outstanding performance.
Rated 17 Nov 2011
astrakhanastrakhan
Rated 11 Dec 2011
80
74th
Low-key but effective drama, very well written and acted. All the parts are really well cast and there are just the right number of characters, each of whom gets enough focus. Despite being at the heart of the film's moral dilemmas, the Paul Giamatti character is not the most interesting - that role falls to the awkward teenager who just needs a little nurturing to bring out his human side.
Rated 11 Dec 2011
jesselcjesselc
Rated 03 Jan 2013
55
28th
Okay, but okay is about it. Not sure it should be classed as a comedy though ... I don't think anything really made me laugh.
Rated 03 Jan 2013
agentsnipeAgentSnipe
Rated 30 Jan 2012
84
84th
A very lovely movie. There are concepts and plotlines that on the surface seem like they are a little tired, but the cast definitely keeps it fresh. The film has a great ensemble of actors who really create a very heartfelt film.
Rated 30 Jan 2012
jazzalohaJazzaloha
Rated 30 Apr 2011
60
31st
(spoilers) The film glosses over Mike's transgression--from Giamatti's acting to the way the film handles the aftermath--and this was a big problem for me. Giamatti's performance is just flat and not really convincing to me. The movie depends on his character and his performance (and his relationships to Kyle and Jackie), as the story isn't very interesting by itself. I guess if you feel Giamatti can do no wrong, this film will be for you.
Rated 30 Apr 2011
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 09 May 2012
70
79th
A familiar feeling movie is raised by the presence of Paul Giamatti. He continues to be one of the most solid actors working today.
Rated 09 May 2012
abunchofcatsABUNCHOFCATS
Rated 19 Sep 2011
74
35th
Very subdued and unfortunately too similar to many other indie dramaedies (especially Sideways) that have been spewing out ever since Sideways and Royal Tenanbaums. Doesn't have enough to really give it an edge over the eariler, superior indie flicks.
Rated 19 Sep 2011
spaceflohspacefloh
Rated 19 Dec 2013
70
83rd
eng; [win win]; ein anwalt übernimmt die aufsicht uber einen dementen mann, doch dessen enkel taucht plötzlich auf und dieser sieht so garnicht freundlich aus - er entpuppt sich aber als guter ringkämpfer.;
Rated 19 Dec 2013
realmacgyverRealMacgyver
Rated 10 Jan 2012
70
54th
Not bad but half baked. The kid/wrestling storyline is the strongest but some of the rest could have used some more work. Decent performances by all, just doesn't manage to get the pin (that's a wrestling term, right?)
Rated 10 Jan 2012
3names3Names
Rated 28 May 2011
90
77th
Really nice work from everyone involved... Lots to like, here... GO!(Rent/Buy!) I think you'll be pleasantly surprised...
Rated 28 May 2011
martrynmartryn
Rated 11 Jul 2012
78
71st
Funny and heartwarming. Paul Giamatti is fantastic.
Rated 11 Jul 2012
ag0stomesmerAg0stoMesmer
Rated 09 Mar 2017
1
20th
I like Giamatti but in the 30 I watched this never even hinted at deviating from the usual troubled kid sports guff, couldn't be arsed.
Rated 09 Mar 2017
muzak66muzak66
Rated 01 Oct 2012
80
63rd
It was a nice story and always good to Uncle Pauly.
Rated 01 Oct 2012
jesse25jesse25
Rated 31 Dec 2011
84
51st
Thomas McCarthy is one of my favourite new(er) directors working today. His first feature, "The Station Agent", was one of my favourite films of 2003. His second feature, "The Visitor", was one of the better films of 2007. This is his third and most recent feature and while it may not be his best, it most certainly conveys his talents as a great screenwriter and realist.
Rated 31 Dec 2011
zealot185Zealot185
Rated 07 Sep 2011
73
59th
Although all of the unfolding conflict is the result of the the main character's single, unethical action, the film still leaves me wondering whether the title holds true by the end. I like that it doesn't heavy-handedly beat you over the head one way or the other; it's effectively minimalistic and genuine. Also, Kyle is so mellow and cool and I wish he had been my friend in high school.
Rated 07 Sep 2011
schnofelschnofel
Rated 07 Jun 2011
78
88th
People need some morale in their lives, especially when money and self-esteem are low. This is that rare indie film about the struggles of a family that, without having much of a theme, gets all the details right. Alex Shaffer as the troubled teenage wrestler is a marvel of authenticity.
Rated 07 Jun 2011
sirstuckeySirStuckey
Rated 22 Oct 2011
80
78th
A nice little indie drama that works in large because it's got a great cast. It manages to take a somewhat tired premise (family of nice people taking in a troubled kid and helping him turn his life around) and not making it a cliched mess. Giamatti is phenomenal, and everyone else is very good as well. Plus, it's always nice to see Burt Young in a movie.
Rated 22 Oct 2011
nick-hamdenNick Hamden
Rated 06 Jun 2013
80
77th
http://gorgview.com/win-win
Rated 06 Jun 2013
larcherlarcher
Rated 22 Apr 2012
81
63rd
Good as a real drama, the modern life kind.
Rated 22 Apr 2012
mohkoMohko
Rated 22 Sep 2013
75
72nd
Nice little drama but in the end it doesn't offer anything new.
Rated 22 Sep 2013
daisylegsdaisylegs
Rated 16 May 2012
60
39th
Far too predictable but I don't regret seeing it.
Rated 16 May 2012
myfavchordsmyfavchords
Rated 13 Dec 2011
77
64th
This is a well made drama and Paul Giamatti is excellent in the lead role. Alex Shaffer is also great as a talented but troubled kid. Overall this is an enjoyable film well made by the director Tom McCarthy.
Rated 13 Dec 2011
giuseppeGiuseppe
Rated 23 Aug 2011
74
55th
Charming and fun, if a bit predictable. Oh, and Alex Shaffer does look a bit like a young Eminem in this movie :))
Rated 23 Aug 2011
petrostserPetrosTser
Rated 30 Jan 2017
70
69th
"Win Win" might not have that indie, outsider aura that McCarthy's first two films had and a lot of people might find the finale a little too convenient, yet his personal stamp is all over it. The character of Mike Flaherty seems to have been tailor-made for Giamatti and the entire cast is very convincing, with Cannavale and Tambor stealing the show. "Win Win" is one more slice of real cinema, with multi-dimensional characters, good humour and realistic dialogues. Immersive despite its flaws.
Rated 30 Jan 2017
gokcanzgokcanz
Rated 26 Oct 2012
60
34th
* Casting, Acting : 6 * Script : 6 * Directing, Aura : 6 * Ease of Viewing : 6 * Naked Eye : 6
Rated 26 Oct 2012
ryan_luedersRyan Lueders
Rated 18 Aug 2012
81
60th
I really liked this. Paul Giamatti was great as a lawyer who moonlights as a wrestling coach who stumbles upon a kid who is great at wrestling while he becomes the guardian of the kids grandfather. Alex Shaffer was really good as the kid, I loved his deadpan voice and confidant attitude. I also like that my wife's doppelganger Melanie Lynskey was in this as the boy's fresh out of rehab mother. This film was just sweet and very nice to watch. It portrays people in a very real way.
Rated 18 Aug 2012
maakalmaakal
Rated 26 Jul 2012
67
28th
Pleasant enough. Perfectly watchable, instantly forgettable. It's hard to care too much about the characters, although Giamatti once again shines.
Rated 26 Jul 2012
wezzoWezzo
Rated 28 May 2013
84
63rd
Wryly amusing and utterly enthralling character study. Paul Giamatti is outstanding.
Rated 28 May 2013
obdurateObdurate
Rated 10 Aug 2011
85
80th
What kept this from being a 90 and genuinely amazing to me was a bit maybe 3/4 of the way (give or take a bit) through, where I felt it dragged and didn't hold up. The first little while was really funny and well written, then there's this awkward transition period where it went from comedy to drama, and I felt it fell off a bit and didn't transition fluidly, but then it ended in a good way, so it regained its footing. Also, it's nice to see a movie use wrestling as its backdrop. Touching movie.
Rated 10 Aug 2011

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