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

Recent Favorites

Wanting the Alternate Route For Bronny James

Welcome to the NBA, Bronny James! In what was the worst-kept novelty of a storyline in the sports world in LeBron and Bronny one day gracing the NBA together, we're finally here! First, congrats to Bronny! Entering the NBA is incredibly difficult, especially more than ever considering its global reach. Regardless, he is now part of the fraternity and amongst the elite in the game. Haters will say what they want, but he's there. And second, congratulations to LeBron and Savannah James. What will be lost in all of this is that they raised a strong young man who yes, took advantage of his access and genetics, and is now at this point in his life - his ultimate goal. Bronny at the core, had no reason to want this - none. He easily could have rested, relaxed, and enjoyed the spoils of this birth lottery. Instead, he wanted what h knew would be the shadow of a massive legacy - and still did the work. That takes guts. I commend the kid for not resting on Dad's name and wealth.

Thoughts on First 2024 Presidential Debate

It’s the most unwanted rematch likely in history. Biden vs. Trump What we saw tonight was exactly what many moderates expected and solidified what we didn’t want to say out loud - we have to have better options than these two, no? There isn’t much to say about this debate, especially from this debate nerd. This was the absolute shits in regards to inspiring a nation for an upcoming election season, which in many ways, still resonates with political fatigue from 2020. But you know that, already. You knew that ten minutes into the debate. The two best quotes I’ve come across to wrap up my overall feeling are the following: On one side it’s hell no, and on the other, it’s oh no. It’s who we shouldn’t have be President vs. who we can’t let be President A few more quick thoughts on last night 1st Presidential Debate: - For me, this format was the biggest positive of the night and a very good baseline for where future political debates need to go. In a world of “takes” and who shouts the lo

2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs Keeps Me Casual on Hockey

It's been a long time since I've talked hockey on this. Wait! Huh? Come again? Yes, hockey. In fact, the last time I posted anything, I was mesmerized by the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals between the Los Angeles Kings and the New York Rangers. Fast forward to 2024, and my hockey fandom took another step forward. For years I've been the admitted casual. And you know what, I'm okay with that. Unfortunately, my unconditional love fandom for my New York Knicks presents a conflict that will forever curtail anything serious from happening between hockey and myself. Nonetheless, I felt like this post-season heightened my hockey fandom to another level. Hockey is amazingly awesome. I very much enjoyed the Stanley Cup Playoffs, caught myself choosing Rangers games over early April Yankees baseball, and overall, found myself playing NHL 24 on the ol' Playstation 4. Yeah, I fell hard. But before I shelf my spring fling with hockey until April 2025, here are just a few quick pon

Dome Pondering

Search This Blog