Sideways
Miles is a failed writer living a meager existence in San Diego as an English teacher. With his career seemingly fading and the fate of a book hinging on a publisher's decision, Miles is depressed with himself and what he hasn't achieved. Jack is a television actor whom some recognize but not many do, as if he were a minor actor who got a taste of success. With his best friend Miles, the two embark on a road trip through California's wine country. Miles wants to give his friend a nice sendoff before married life, while Jack simply wants to have a fling beforehand. As they're both nearing middle age with not much to show for it, the two will explore the vineyards while ultimately searching for their identities.
Member Reviews
A perfect little movie about wine and friendship and Cali! - Scopitone
I just love this movie so much. Pinot Noir! It started my love for Pinot Noir as I suspect it did for a lot of people. I just want to escape to California on a road trip and sample wine. Great acting, story telling, simple funny and sad little movie. Definitely recommended.Sideways: here's to great movies! - Baronness
This movie is wonderful not because anything really "exciting" happens, but because each of the characters is so wonderfully original! The dialogues are also witty. The funniest scenes happen between the two male characters who are like oil and water: their opposing forces make for good comedy. I also have to say that the love plot is unconventional and definitely the anithesis of the tacky Hollywood boy-meets-girl intrigue. Lastly, the wine tasting scenes are a complete success: the actors really intellectualize the way they feel when they drink, which is unusual but captivating.A Buddy Film That Lingers Like Fine Wine - Cruel_Intentions
This is one of those independent films that should be pretentious and boring. It's about two characters in different part of their lives and careers. One is about to get married while the other is still getting over a divorce. The two of them go out on a week long road trip to Northern California to play golf and taste wine. Miles (Paul Giamatti) is the best man and a wine expert but he is also basically a lush, while his buddy Jack (Thomas Haden Church) actually has no interest in wine at all, but wants to get laid instead. The little wine back drop works well in this film because it gives Miles something to get excited about and it also works as sort of a metaphor throughout the whole film. You also learn from Miles and other characters more than you'll ever care to know about wine.
The character Miles is a sad sack. He isn't a bad guy at all, but he isn't really Prince Charming as he lies a little bit and does steal some money from his old mother. Jack on the other hand is more your typical lying cheat. He also is basically a decent guy, but Miles knows he can't really be trusted and is very prone to getting into trouble. Like the film, "Swingers", you have two guys who are on a trip where one is trying out his last conquests before matrimony and the other has very little confidence and can't hook up with a chick.
But hooking up is something they eventually do. Jack hooks up with a loose single mom (Sandra Oh) and Miles finally finds a compatible woman in Mia (Virginia Madsen). The relationships are dishonest for both of them, but it's an eye opener for Miles as he finally begins to get over his divorce.
The writing is terrific. It's very funny and very mainstream as well. It's a buddy picture essentially, but it works very well and that is in part to it's extraordinary performances by Giamatti and Church. The last thing I saw Church in was the TV show "Wings". I was surprised how good he was. It's Giamatti's show, though.
Alexander
Member Reviews
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A perfect little movie about wine and friendship and Cali! - Scopitone
I just love this movie so much. Pinot Noir! It started my love for Pinot Noir as I suspect it did for a lot of people. I just want to escape to California on a road trip and sample wine. Great acting, story telling, simple funny and sad little movie. Definitely ...Sideways: here's to great movies! - Baronness
This movie is wonderful not because anything really "exciting" happens, but because each of the characters is so wonderfully original! The dialogues are also witty. The funniest scenes happen between the two male characters who are like oil and water: their ...A Buddy Film That Lingers Like Fine Wine - Cruel_Intentions
This is one of those independent films that should be pretentious and boring. It's about two characters in different part of their lives and careers. One is about to get married while the other is still getting over a divorce. The two of them go out on a week ...