Sideways (M18)

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Drama

The story of Miles (Paul Giamatti), a eighth grade teacher, wine connoisseur & failed novelist, and his soon-to-be married friend Jack (Thomas Haden Church), a washed-up soap opera actor. To salute the remains of their youth, the two men take one last road trip in the week before Jack's wedding. A serious wine enthusiast, Miles is determined to educate his friend on the region's beloved Pinot Noir wines before the week is out. Jack indulges his best friend's passion for the grape but is mainly interested in living his last week of bachelorhood to the hilt. Trouble ensues with wine and women - Maya (Virginia Madsen) and Stephanie (Sandra Oh), as the duo comes to some profound realizations as they come to terms with maturity.

A simple & down to earth piece of work is what makes this movie so likable. No fancy design, visual EFX or glamorous stars. Just plain good acting & story telling. Most people in their late 20s' & above can somehow find pieces of themselves at certain point of the movie. A bit "Woody Allenish" though...but better.

There were funny as well as depressing moments, but the Director Alexander Payne managed not to over do any of them & made this a well balanced story. The smooth flow of this movie also helped audiences to follow at ease. Winning an Oscar for "Writing (Adapted Screenplay)" is easily justified.

Every main character were given enough space to express themselves, which I think is a big break for Paul Giamatti. Thomas Haden Church was nominated for "Best Supporting Actor" at the Oscar, & that was a big bonus!

Another reason why I like this movie so much is the musical score. Rolfe Kent's Jazz score set the exact mood this movie required. His relaxing score also goes well when you are in a nice wine bar or cafe.

Director: Alexander Payne
Writer(s): Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor
Cast: Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Patrick Gallagher, Alex Kalognomos, Virginia Madsen, Joe Marinelli, Sandra Oh, Alysia Reiner

2 stars for Alexander Payne, 1 for Paul Giamatti & 1 for the Rolfe Kent.

*Wine lovers should not miss it!