Sideways [DVD] [2004]

Great little film, great quirky script with a series of flawed eccentric characters!

This is an award winning bittersweet comedy that takes a thoughtful, poignant and hilarious look at male friendship and midlife crisis. Miles (Paul Giamatti) is a sad divorcee and a would be writer. He's resigned himself to being a failure at just about everything except for one thing - he certainly knows and loves wines. Jack (Thomas Haden Church) is a womanising, washed up actor having doubts about his forthcoming wedding so Miles comes up with a great idea - why not 'celebrate' his last days as a bachelor with a trip to the vineyards of the Central Coast? And so the fun begins as the two old friends set off on a wine tasting road trip that rapidly deviates into an examination of the changing states of love and friendship. The two are totally different with opposing views on how to live their lives - and it's this comical mismatch that gives the film much of its humour and warmth. Their interests contrast and even their tastes in wine don't match. In fact, the only thing they seem to share is their pasts - and a strong realisation of unfulfilled potential, missed opportunities and the fact that their younger carefree days are way behind them.It doesn't take long before the very odd couple find themselves drowning in wine and women (Sandra Oh and Virginia Madsen). Emerging from a haze of pinot noir, wistful longings and fears of an uncertain future, reality inevitably rears its ugly head. As the wedding approaches so does the possibility that neither Miles and Jack will make it back to Los Angeles unscathed or unchanged... if they return at all that is! 'Sideways' is a wonderfully entertaining yet thought provoking tale. Director/Writer Alexander Payne has crafted an absorbing film. This is no big budget special effects movie - and it is much richer for that. He keeps it simple and it pays off as the strength of the movie is its characters and how honest it is. You relate to these two losers because they are human and real. Great acting and a beautiful, rich, heart warming, funny yet sad gem. Little wonder that the film won an award for best Adapted Screenplay at the Bafta's 2005 and at the Academy Awards 2005. A MUST SEE MOVIE!

One of my favourite films, so true to life.

My all time favourite film. Give it a go, it's a blast

I was encouraged to watch this film by someone who is a semi wine buff, didn't really know what to expect, it turned out to be a little gem! Granted it's not going to appeal to everybody, that said solid performances from Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra OhStoryline is based around two friends on a wine-tasting tour of California vineyards before Jack (Thomas Haden Church) gets married, it deals with life's ups and downs and struggles, it has some gentle heartwarming moments and some laugh out loud moments. Worthy four stars

This is an unusual, low-key film, that starts off with almost a made-for-TV feel. In fact, if someone had told me it had originally been written as six 20-minute episodes, I could easily have believed them.After a while, you begin to believe this is a Californian wine infomercial masquerading as a movie. (Notice that they never give you an idea of the price Miles is paying for his beloved Pinot.) Then suddenly the two girls arrive on the scene, we see a certain amount of bonking and f***ing, and we begin to have a real plot on our hands.There is one excellent sight-gag, when Jack decides that the original prang isn't sufficient damage to the car consistent with his broken nose. That is sheer Laurel and Hardy at their peak -- although Miles is more of a Buster Keaton than a Stan Laurel. My favourite instant in the film is the expression on Miles's face when he is sizing up whether he can make it to the dresser to retrieve Jack's wallet before the bonking couple notice his presence.The jazzy soundtrack isn't quite as good, IMHO, as some reviewers might have you believe, but it lends a very light touch to the film.

a really intelligent film with a grown up approach to characterisation and a bittersweet lesson in navigating the vicissitudes of middle life.

A great journey! Brilliant acting from all cast members who bring the witty script to life. This will age like wine!