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Created Apr 18, 2011 07:01AM PST • Edited Apr 18, 2011 09:10AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Really Great 4.5

   Paul Giamatti stars in this powerful film about a middle-aged lawyer trying to make ends meet. Giamatti plays Mike, who participates in an unethical scheme to make money, since his law firm isn’t generating much business. However, rather than be just a cold hearted lawyer, we see Mike for what he really is; a family man with a good heart who spends his time coaching wrestling at the local high school. Along the way, he becomes involved with Kyle (Alex Shafer) and makes an impact in his life, as well as those related to Kyle.

   A nice balance of conscience in the film, along with great acting and likeable characters that many of us can relate to, makes this film really great.

4. Acting

   Very Good 3.5

5. Male Stars Very Good 3.5

6. Female Stars Very Good 3.5

7. Female Costars Very Good 3.5

8. Male Costars Very Good 3.5

10. Film

    Good 3.0

11. Direction Great 4.0

    Nice touch by Director Thomas McCarthy, who balances a complex ethical story, with an underlying sports story, and the struggle of middle America. Very well done.

12. Play Good 3.0

13. Music OK 2.5

14. Visuals Good 3.0

    A few goofy sports cliches, but not that bad.

15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 1.6

17. Sex Innocent 1.0

18. Violence Fierce 1.8

19. Rudeness Salty 1.9

21. Reality

    Glib 1.3

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.6

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Glib 1.2