Win It All
By Renee Schonfeld,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Fresh dramedy about gambler has mature themes, cursing.
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Win It All
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What's the Story?
A cloak-and-dagger infusion of money is exactly what gambling addict Eddie Garrett (Jake Johnson) does not need in WIN IT ALL. But when an old friend asks him to keep a zipped-up-tight duffel bag while he's serving a 6-9-month prison sentence, Eddie is quick to say yes. Especially when Eddie's "fee" for safeguarding it will be $10,000. Of course, he promises, he won't open it. Eddie stashes the bag, goes about his business: parking cars; visiting his upstanding brother, Ron (Joe Lo Truglio); connecting with his ever-patient Gamblers Anonymous sponsor, Gene (Keenan-Michael Key); even introducing himself to the beautiful Ava (Aislinn Derbez), the woman who could be "the one." Still, that duffel calls to Eddie. What could hurt? He'll just take $ 5,000 of the vast fortune he finds in the bag. And he'll put it right back! Unfortunately, putting it back is not in Eddie Garrett's DNA. Losing a bundle is. So, when that same old friend calls back to let Eddie know he's being released from prison early, Eddie's number -- and not his lucky one -- is, is up. He has only days and very few resources to put back all that he's gambled away. For Eddie, it's a race to save his newly-found abstinence, a relationship that just might be perfect, and maybe even his life. Everyone in his life (and in the audience) wants him to survive; it's only Eddie who sabotages his own redemption.
Is It Any Good?
Solid acting and a fresh take on a compulsive gambler's life combine with charm supplied by indie director Joe Swanson to make this smart film a well-balanced mix of suspense, heart, and humor. It's hard not to root for the incorrigible Eddie, even though his humongous, inevitable mistakes are telegraphed early, from miles down the track. Jake Johnson (who cowrote the script) makes the most of this original, multifaceted character. He's surrounded by a talented ensemble of improv performers: Key of Key and Peele, Lo Triglio of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Derbez, a celebrated Mexican actress. Even better news, though we're in Eddie's corner from the start, the outcome is in question until the final scenes. And, the multiple poker games are just detailed enough so that they never become repetitious or tiresome. Thoughtful, naturalistic, with both funny and touching moments, Win It All is worth seeing for older teens and their parents.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the fact that Win It All is substantially improvised. What characterizes "improvisational filmmaking?" How does it feel and/or sound different from scripted movies? Do you find improved movies appealing? Why or why not?
Improvisational filmmaking is a team effort. Find out about how those involved prepare for the work. In addition to acting skills, what qualities are required of the actors?
Think about Eddie's gambling addiction as it is portrayed in Win It All. Are you aware that folks who are members of Gamblers Anonymous (GA) -- based on Alcoholics Anonymous -- have a very low recovery rate? Since there are no substances involved (i.e., drugs, alcohol), what factors might contribute to making recovery so difficult?
What elements in Eddie's life do you think impacted the film's final resolution? In what ways did he count on his relationships for help? What should friends and family do (or not do) to support someone with an addiction?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: April 7, 2017
- Cast: Jake Johnson , Joe Lo Truglio , Aislinn Derbez , Keegan-Michael Key
- Director: Joe Swanberg
- Inclusion Information: Latino actors, Black actors
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Adventures , Friendship
- Run time: 88 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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