Sideways

"Let's drink through our nose..."


I think everyone in town is talking about the Academy Awards nominated films and trying to see as many as they can and have their little own prediction which film will win the best film, who will be the best actor/actress etc. So I've invited Jay over for dinner (next entry) together with Pete, then headed to see Sideways at Westfield chatswood. I've seen a lot of good reviews about this movie, and the trailer does look good with simple no big star casts and funny humour. The anatomy of wine tasting isn't really my strongest field but I do appreciate a good wine every now and then.

Two middle aged men embark on a week long roadtrip through California's wine country both with different reasons and purporses. Miles (Paul Giamatti), a failed writer but a wine enthusiast, who knows everything about wine from inside out, just wanna spend some great time at the vineyards with his best friend Jack (Thomas Haden Church), who is getting married in a week time. As Miles always feeling depressed towards the divorce with his wife 2 years ago which he has been trying real hard to get back together which leads him to a wine drinking frenzy. And on the other hand, Jack just wanna have his last freedom before the marriage, meeting local girls for some good shenanigans by using his ex-actor charm where he met up with Stephanie, who coincidentally is Maya's best friend, a waitress in the restaurant who Miles has the hot for.

Throughout the whole movie, there will be lots of wine metaphor as reference towards Miles' life and relationship. Alongside, of course I do pick up some good lesson on wine tasting, the age of a Pinot Noir. I really enjoy the humour in the movie, but even though Pete didn't really enjoy it much. I think is because there is really no high or low peak throughout the movie and thats what make the audience feel bit uneased with the humour keep coming on screen. Despite the a few good laugh throughout the movie, but actually it is quite a depressing movie by seeing how sad Miles' life is, is so genuine and honest. I love the bit where he just sat in a fastfood joint drinking a good old vintage wine, showing him finally let go of the last relationship and realise is time to move on and not going to hold on to it, just like a good old wine. It is wonderfully portraited using wine characteristic to reflect on someone's relationship. The idea is fresh and unique and I think that's why it is receiving good reviews and being nominated as best picture. I like the movie but I don't think it is a brilliant movie. One side of me saying it can simply be a 2hours TV movie length drama, maybe is the simplicity of filming set and the casual jazz sountrack.


Story :

Popcorn Level :

TOTAL : 7.5/10