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Win Win
2011
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sentimental
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77 %
94 %
Certified Fresh
$ 11 Million
See Where to Watch
Win Win
Positive Reviews
112
Negative reviews
11
Average Rating
3.8
/5
entertaining
agreeable
sentimental
easygoing
All
Positive
Negative
3.5
Its unfussy realism makes every funny moment and painful setback seem well earned and believable.
Av Club
1.5
The whole selling point of the indie comedy drama is its supposed quirkiness, its idiosyncrasy.
Den Of Geek
3.5
The cinematography has a modest feel, like the story.The film is rife with visual metaphors.
We Got This Covered
2.5
Within those limited parameters, Win Win works, its every joke, every emotional beat, even its journey from harsh winter to verdant spring, anticipate ..
Austin Chronicle
1.5
Theres nothing overtly disastrous about Soul Surfer, and its Christian worldview is, if anything, too timidly touched upon.
Austin Chronicle
1.5
Enter Leos teenage grandson, Kyle (Shaffer) a taciturn runaway and, as it turns out, a crackerjack wrestler, too.
Austin Chronicle
4.0
In a way, though, whats just delightful about this wittily observed and touchingly truthful affair is the fact it offers consistently sherbety enterta ..
Time Out
5.0
The rare, humanist beauty of Win Win is that none of its characters is a caricature, none of its plot twists a blatant play for tears or laughs, none ..
4.5
While Win Win captures Flahertys foibles and mishaps with sensitivity, the movie doesnt go as deep as the directors previous efforts.
Screen Daily
3.8
You have a funny situation, and theres some truth in it and unexpected characters, well acted, and you may not have a great film but you enjoy watchin ..
Rogerebert
3.0
It reflects the low key success of Tom McCarthys directing style that this decision passes without any public agonising; the pragmatic, grubby secret ..
Telegraph
3.0
Funny, agreeable and thoroughly enjoyable, if a little bit too neat and fortuitous in sorting out its entangled strands.
4.0
Its hard to explain why none of this feels sentimental or unearned, but McCarthys deft writing and his dynamite cast keep the films tone earnest but j ..
Cinema Blend
4.5
Other films would pile too much symbolism onto a character like Kyle, but McCarthy knows better.
Ny Daily News
3.1
Its refreshing to see a lawyer unshackled from the usual cinematic stereotypes.
The Globe And Mail
3.8
Thats not an easy thing to do, even if they make it look that way.
Philly
3.8
Win Win has been compared to Little Miss Sunshine, but thats no reason not to see it.And have no fear: There is no role for Alan Arkin as a kooky old ..
Philly
5.0
Everyone in this emotionally satisfying drama gets a second chance which is why the film is appropriately titled Win Win.
Spirituality And Practice
2.0
And so a limp but at least vaguely topical recession comedy turns into a faint Xerox of standard Sundance pap, in which a weirdo outsider gives a stru ..
Village Voice
4.4
Its the most entertaining and accessible film from the director of perfectly accessible and entertaining The Visitor, Thomas McCarthy.
Rogers Movie Nation
3.0
Cute and smart indie about ordinary folks in New Jersey and how they handle their small problems.
Sover
4.4
Win Win isnt exactly easy to sum up or pitch in one sentence, which reveals how deceptively complex it is. It could be a modern Jean Renoir movie.
Combust Ible Celluloid
3.0
Those flaws notwithstanding, this is still a thoughtful and admirably nuanced moral drama.
Chicago Reader
3.8
What McCarthy actually cares about is how the decisions these characters make, both on screen and off, do affect their lives.
Mark Reviews Movies
4.0
Contributing to the authenticity is the top notch ensemble cast, especially the lead performances of Giamatti and Amy Ryan.
Usa Today
3.0
Laramie Movie Scope: Win Win A Win Win situation turns into hard choices by Robert Roten, Film Critic December 1, 2011 In this dramedy film, a financi ..
Lariat
3.8
Its hard to resist the warmth of the films suggestion that there is cause for optimism as we muddle through our ordinary little lives.
Eric Ds Nider
3.0
While another actor might lose your sympathy, Giamatti effectively portrays the quiet desperation of a decent man on the edge, and its his soul search ..
Radio Times
4.0
Also misguided is the notion that saying crap or holy shit counts as hilarious wit.(In the recent and awful Your Highness the word fuck became a virtu ..
Independent
4.4
Nothing fancy thats not McCarthys style.Neither is phony rah rah.
Rolling Stone
4.0
Giamatti anchors all of this with a beautifully understated performance, while Ryans sardonic earthiness is the perfect balance to his more wide eyed ..
Shadows On The Wall
4.0
It also demonstrates that McCarthy is quietly becoming one of Americas best writer directors.
View London
4.2
By doing so, Mike is smudging his moral boundaries, but McCarthy doesnt take an accusatory tone.
Cs Monitor
4.5
The title of Tom McCarthys latest may be meant sardonically, but this well written, deftly performed movie is truly a win win for audiences.
Film Journal
4.5
McCarthys story and direction dont demand that the audience take sides one way or the other with Mike.He and Giamatti trust us to come to our own conc ..
Az Central
4.4
In its charming and self effacing way, Win Win is the most radical movie yet from writer director Tom McCarthy, and it may be one of the more daring m ..
Boston
4.5
What happens from there may not be surprising, but its remarkably satisfying.
Mountain X
4.5
All these characters make a beautiful mess together, even if McCarthy spends too much time tidying it up.
Npr
4.4
Films set in suburbia often feel synthetic and sit commy, but McCarthy captures the texture of Jersey life like Margaret Mead with a sense of humor.
Star Tribune
5.0
But Win Win remains a deft, warm, serious and often very funny film.
Guardian
2.0
For all its witty observations on the trials of modern manhood, it never strays out of its blinkered suburban comfort zone.
Guardian
4.4
In fact, what makes Win Win work so well is McCarthys ability to convey fundamental human decency, even in deeply flawed characters.
Q Network
4.5
Everything about McCarthys film feels easygoing and economical. His scripting is sharp and laugh out loud funny, with relationships and family dynamic ..
Eye For Film
4.5
This beautifully realised independent film about winning and second chances is one of those gems that easily finds its mark
5.0
Director Tom McCarthy knows exactly what to say and how to say it; WIN WIN is confidently told, and every moment informs another to come.Mike looks li ..
Common Sense Media
3.0
Im Going To Grump About It A Little: Director Tom McCarthy probably means well.
Movies
3.5
writing reflects a wariness of human nature but hes not cynical; indeed, the story wraps up with a tenderness that feels true but completely without m ..
Time
2.5
Even a climactic courtroom showdown never materializes because McCarthy ultimately doesnt have the heart, stomach, or sobriety to truly confront or gr ..
Slant Magazine
3.8
A sports movie in which winning is neither everything nor the only thing.
Chicago Tribune
3.5
Instead, its just a really well made dramedy that benefits from a funny and touching script by McCarthy and one of the best ensemble casts of the year ..
Bullz-Eye
4.2
Its a feel good movie that earns its warmth without sentimentality or manipulation.
Reeling Reviews
3.0
Some accomplished turns, and the mood of downbeat quirkiness has its appeal. Plot contrivances scupper it though, and given McCarthys track record its ..
Total Film
4.5
Its no surprise that McCarthy is a skilled actors director, but the heartfelt compassion and observational acuity that infuses the writer directors fi ..
Hollywood Reporter
4.0
The script is the films core strength combining likable characters and cool middlebrow comedy with a touching and relatable story.
Hollywood
4.0
If you recognize McCarthys name, these virtues will not be a surprise.
Los Angeles Times
5.0
Win Win is a story about what happens when you do something bad and then try to do something good to make up for it.
Aisle Seat
3.8
McCarthy proves to be quite effective in establishing characters that arent cut and dried; aside from a few periphery figures, the movies been populat ..
Reel Film
4.5
Win Win is a soft comedy about hard times, but and this could be the movies saving grace its neither soggy nor overly sentimental.
Movie Habit
4.4
But this gently humorous gem from writer director Thomas McCarthy is far above the sappily sentimental flick that earned Sandra Bullock her longed for ..
The Star
2.0
As youd expect from McCarthy, its a film filled with flawed but interesting characters, a quirky storyline and a high degree of believability.Until, t ..
Mirror
3.0
But its a face that belies great humanity.Giamatti gets you so wrapped up in his cause that when he finally considers coming clean it feels like a bet ..
Digital Spy
3.8
Paul Giamatti scores as a high school wrestling coach/ law yer whose unethical scheme to make a few bucks begins to unravel when he becomes entangled ..
New York Post
3.5
Beautifully observed, this serio comic film is the stuff of life and, despite the plot contrivances, very engaging in its quiet way.
Abc
3.8
McCarthy leans on expected plot points and legal question marks, but he gets a great mix of hope and anguish from Giamatti.
Red Eye Chicago
3.1
The results are naturalistic and airy, affectionate and lightly touching.
Dustin Put Man
4.5
Yet McCarthy has a way of making even the most bittersweet moments full of humanity and humor.
Hollywood And Fine
3.2
Its a pleasant film with marvelous performances, but it loses a great deal of stamina in the second half once McCarthy succumbs to predictability.
Brian Or Ndorf
4.0
Its a wonderfully acted little drama about a tight knit group of ordinary people whom we get to know and like despite their quirks and flaws.
The Filmy Ap
3.5
Excellent performances of good characters in a story thats not as rich as it apparently believes itself to be.
Antagony & Ecstasy
4.4
Win Win, which McCarthy wrote with a childhood buddy, isnt a particularly original story but it is a beautifully scripted, authentically realized one.
3.0
It doesnt take long for Kyle to start bonding with Mike and his family.
The Film Pie
3.8
But it ultimately is no less sincere or optimistic because of it.
Js Online
5.0
Its not overly familiar.Writing this good is as impressive for the pitfalls it avoids as for the fact that its much harder to pull off than it looks.
Hollywood Chicago
4.0
The Bottom Line: A highly entertaining film that exudes all the warmth of Tom McCarthys previous films but also has a sense of comic pace and timing t ..
ComingSoon
3.5
At the same time, McCarthy understands the thrill of incontrovertible victory and our primal lust for it.
Film Comment
4.0
Beautifully written by director Tom McCarthy, this is a life affirming gem that proves that dramas neednt have the overblown pomp of a blockbuster or ..
Sky
4.4
Giamatti excels as the weak kneed Mike, nicely working his gift for inner conflict and outer bumbling. As his wife, Amy Ryan is a ballast of unflinchi ..
Chron
3.8
What works: Its a comfy, feel good drama, relying on strong performances and moments of genuine heart.
No La
4.0
They dwell at an intersection of quiet drama and character comedy, easygoing and naturalistic, frequently amusing but short on big laughs (or the easy ..
Dvd Talk
1.5
There are flips, bumps and falls before the resolution, and even if McCarthy ties up his various plot strands a little too neatly, the story will reso ..
What So
3.0
As McCarthy the actors director wrestles with McCarthy the writer, its this capable cast that keeps Win Win worth watching.
Or Lando Weekly
4.0
Win Win is a warm, wonderful comedy, smartly written, full of great performances (particularly from supporting superstars Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale an ..
Streaming Quickflix
4.0
The sports movie is the Happy Meal of American cinema, its main attraction being predictability: Unlikely heroes win, lose, win, lose big, make a come ..
Wsj
4.4
Win Win continues McCarthys streak of bringing realistic characters and realistic situations to life on the screen. He has clearly shown his talent fo ..
4.0
Win Win is worth a look look. As indie dramedies go, its a good one.
Movie Metropolis
5.0
Amy Ryan has the least showy role and ends up giving the movie its moral center.
Ny Mag
4.5
The batter, though tasty enough by itself, serves a much bigger purpose.
Review Express
3.0
It wont blow you away, but it remains a well played and solidly entertaining family film.
Fan The Fire Magazine
5.0
Writer/director Tom McCarthys skill comes from an ability to hook you and make you care about his characters as if they are family.
Tri City Herald
3.1
This eccentric moral fable should appeal strictly to the art house crowd.
Entertainment Spectrum
5.0
You know, there is truth in advertising. Or titles, I should say.
Qc Times
3.0
And there still museums with pay what you wish admission, if not every day, then on certain days weekly or monthly.You just have to know who offers wh ..
New York Time Out
4.5
Another great family unit film from director Thomas McCarthy and one of the best teen performances youll see with newcomer Alex Shaffer.
The Scorecard Review
1.5
Im just saying: dont get your hopes up too high and dont expect the unexpected.
Spectator
3.1
But in the end the film stacks up just this side of twee, as the sort of quirky fare thats passably entertaining without ever offering anything real o ..
Miami
2.0
So its a win win for audiences, and its a reminder that there are fresh ideas and compelling stories out there.Thank you, Mr. McCarthy!
Kpbs
4.5
Win Win earns its title as a genuinely warm film that surprises and delights with humour, intelligence and perfect performances from all its cast.
The Diva Review
3.5
Armadillo possibly doesnt quite get inside the heads of the soldiers to the extent that Restrepo does, but theres no denying the devastating power of ..
Cinema Autopsy
3.5
After Doctor Strange, Ant Man and the Wasp is the only other recent Marvel movie with action set pieces that are visually unique and organically funny ..
Looking Closer
3.8
As the movies frequently comical but believable characters coped with economic responsibilities and emotional challenges, I was reminded of The Andy G ..
Gomemphis
2.0
The crux of this story comes from the complex relationships between all of McCarthys meaningful human characters.
Sa Current
3.8
It doesnt surprise quite so much as McCarthys previous work, but its polish, strength and energy are impressive for a film of any size or pedigree.
Blog Oregonlive
1.5
Amy Ryan (The Wire) is persuasive as the no nonsense, suburban housewife, with essentially honorable instincts.
World Socialist Web Site
4.0
Rarely has the title of a film better described its contents. Win Win is yet another funny, poignant and endearing creation by writer/actor/director T ..
Brandon Fibbs
3.0
TOP CHEF What are Joel Robuchons most famous recipes and best restaurants.FOR GOODNESS CAKE!
News Of The World
5.0
Its easy to undervalue a movie like Win Win, because it does seem so offhand and entertaining. But this is near perfect filmmaking; not only does ever ..
Host Madison
4.5
A kind, decent man, hes becoming consumed by panic, knowing hes only barely keeping his head above water.
Hot Press
3.5
Chicago Entertainment Metromix Picks Chicagos 2018 Haunted Houses Guide Get some nightmare fuel at these haunted attractions Chicagos 2018 Halloween P ..
New York Metro Mix
3.0
Seek this out at Cineworld Broad Street and youll be rewarded with a typically fine character study.
Birmingham Mail
4.5
In a still young movie year, Win Win is already on the mat as one of the best.
Play Boy
4.0
Win Win is slighter, and sappier, than it might have been. Still and all, its a joy.
This Is London
4.0
Detailing the UNCONVENTIONAL FRIENDSHIP between a FLAWED BUT WELL MEANING MIDDLE AGED MAN (Paul Giamatti) and a TROUBLED BUT BRILLIANT TEENAGER (newco ..
Ultra Culture
4.5
While Win Win is a strictly realist drama, Certified Copy is playful conceit.
Ma Cleans
2.5
McCarthy tries to make it all work through the notion that no matter what stage you are in life or what transgression youve made, a second chance is a ..
James Wegg Review
3.8
McCarthy has finally delivered a realistic take on the male teen, along with a tender, funny look at family and what it means to be a man.
Sign On Sandiego
5.0
In Tom McCarthys Win Win sports may seem to be the means for drama. But when considering the importance of wrestling to the characters, the sport shap ..
Film International
3.0
Ryan continues to be one of our best supporting actresses, one who shines but doesnt need to steal scenes.
4.2
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Ifc
3.3
Theres a real earnestness to the proceedings: if someone had relayed the setup to me via email or over cocktails, I would have bet heavily that wed be ..
Film and Felt
5.0
If theres a more agreeable comedy now making the rounds, please, someone, tell me about it ... easily the best film Ive seen so far this year ...
Cinema Dope
3.5
While hes played the put upon sad sack a dozen times now, each time hes able to bring enough zest to the role that it still manages to feel fresh.
What Culture
5.0
Giamatti strikes gold yet again, in another unassuming, self depreciating powerhouse performance full of brilliantly acted nuances, in a story brimmin ..
Real.com
4.5
Extremely well crafted, what makes Win Win a champ of sorts is how it maintains the right tempo throughout the film. Gliding from one scene to the nex ..
Jestherent Blog Spot
4.0
McCarthys story plays out as a family dramedy that finds itself dealing with core issues of human conduct when economic times get tough and people are ..
Back Stage
3.0
The picture aims for Little Miss Sunshine like laughs and tears but isnt quite funny or dramatic enough although the characters are sympathetic and it ..
Daily Express
4.5
WIN WIN makes Tom McCarthy three for three. Grabbing the affection from the audience is what he wants, and dear reader, he cant lose.
Gordon and the Whale
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Win Win