Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Win Win (2011)

What is it about? 

A struggling lawyer and High School wrestling coach's decision to double-cross a client for some additional needed income comes back to change his life when the grandson of the client comes into his life. 

Who is in it? 

Paul Giamatti - Mike Flaherty

Amy Ryan - Jackie Flaherty

Bobby Cannavale - Terry Delfino

Favorite Scene: 

After finally getting his chance to wrestle, the nerdy Stemler steps on to the mat for his first match. His opponent turns around wearing a black face mask and Stemler quickly runs back to the bench afraid and yelling "I'm not wrestling Darth Vader"

Favorite Quote: 

Abby: Mommy? Where's Daddy?
Jackie Flaherty: He's running.
Abby: From what? 

Review: 

When you look at the cover of Win Win, it seems like a cheesy, low-budget film that may give you some good laughs. And when you notice that Paul Giamatti, a heck of an actor, and highly underrated, is the lead role, you figure that it might actually be decent. Then you take a peek at the theatrical trailer and you realize that the film seems interesting and could be good. However, after viewing Win Win, you will walk away amazed at the film. 

Win Win is a very, very good film that not only boasts an interesting plot with many moral conflicts of doing wrong things for the right reasons and sometimes doing what's right no matter what, but also is a film that delivers quality and natural comedy. Nothing ever feels forced like we so often see these days.

However, the strongest point of Win Win is the amazing development of all the characters. The film has such an innate way of presenting all of the characters in a way with the right scenes, dialogue and insight to each, that you truly have a grasp on them all and what they bring to the plot. Personally, the character of "Terry Delfino" played by Bobby Cannavale is by far my favorite. 

And speaking of talent, Win Win is loaded. The always good Paul Giamatti in the lead role of Mike Flaherty. Amy Ryan, who followed up a strong performance in Green Zone with her role as Jackie Flaherty. As mentioned, Cannavale as Terry, and yes, even Burt Young, of "Paulie" fame from the Rocky series, is great as Leo.

All in all, a highly recommended movie that is so entertaining, you will never realize the 106 minute run time. 

Grade: 4.25/5
Labels:

Recent Favorites

Quick Ponder: Free and Guarded

Stay free. But keep the gate to  your peace, guarded.
Read more

WWE Wrestlemania XL Review: "I absolutely loved this Wrestlemania"

It's easy to get caught up and become a prisoner of the moment. Especially in today's world where the latest moment is ostracized, super-analyzed, and hyperbolized - it's very much the clickbait, social media, microwave society we live in.  Yet, even after acknowledging that (as well as my Tribal Chief, of course), I still come to this feeling that Wrestlemania XL is one of the best Wrestlemania's, ever.  Yes, ever!  I don't need Triple H's metrics and benchmarks to influence me. No, no, no! In terms of hype, storylines, payoffs, match quality, and just overall fun - this entire weekend was amazing.  I'm slightly skewed in my preference as well. This was my son's first Wrestlemania as a pro wrestling fan. Having him at my side cheering on his favorites, getting caught up in the drama, and even crying at the end of the night because his Tribal Chief lost to "that no good Cody" added to the overall appreciation of the event.  So yeah, I have some
Read more

DP Review of the Alternate Knicks Orange Jersey

One of the good aspects about having a blog and being truthful and honest about it, is the hindsight thought process it provides. DP devotees already know how much I love my New York Knicks, and how excited I was about their new jerseys last year. It was a new look that was desperately needed ( DP Review On Knicks New Uniforms ).  In reviewing those jerseys last year, I had the following comments in regards to then-rumors regarding the addition of an alternative orange jersey for the Knicks and overall NBA changes to the Christmas Day special jerseys:  "As long as we do not add an "alternative jersey" (I read rumors of an orange one - woof!) (and the league-wide Spanish jerseys are fine). And please, please - PLEASE - let's finally do away with the awful green jerseys we feel the need to wear on Christmas and St. Patrick's day! Pretty please!"
Read more