Sideways is the funniest movie I've seen for a while.
The Stars
Paul Giamatti, plays Miles.
Thomas Haden, plays Jack.
Virgina Madsen, plays Maya.
Sandra Oh, plays Stephanie.
The Plot
Miles is a teacher, at school. He is also a wine maven, (expert), who goes to visit the wineries in California.
Paul is divorced, and he's not happy about it. He often calls her when he is drunk.
He is writing an biography called The Day After Yesterday.
His best friend is Jack, who use to act on TV, but hasn't been getting too much work, so he decides he will do the talking in some ads.
Jack is engaged and Jack invites his on a bachelor tour of the wineries. While they are on the tour, at one winery he meets Stephenie, and thinks, what the heck, I'll have a last fling.
Meanwhile, even on a wine tour you have to eat! They stop at a dinner, that Miles often goes to. Maya is a waitress there and introduces her to Jack. Jack asks her to join him, Miles and Stephanie, on a date.
My Thoughts
Miles is so sad, I wanted to hug him. Jack is the opposite character to Miles. He's fun loving and they remind we a bit of how Abbot and Costello, played off each other.
I hope the younger people, who see this film, are able to related the middle aged cast.
I thought some of the dialogue was used as a metaphor, that connected the wine to the cycle of life of the Pinot Grapes.
The characters are developed so well you can't help with sympathizing with them.
The cinematography, (was shot by Phedon Papamichael), and costumes, (or lack on cloths), were designed by Wendy Chuch. There both were fabulous.
Donald Frazee's special affects were excellent.
The Best Bits
When Mike sneaks into the waitress' tow truck, to get the wallet that Jack left behind.
Some of the funniest scenes occur during the wine tasting.
Miles rants about the wines being so terrible they taste like you are licking the back of the bus!
Miles and Jack are playing golf, when an old man interrupts their game, and they chase him off the golf course.
You Might Like To Know
In the United States, sales of Pinot Noir, have gone up 16 %, in the first week after this movie opened.
Also California, has said that they have mailed our 40,000 more travel maps of how to get to the wineries, in this film.
The Music
Asphalt Groovin', Constantine Snaps His Fingers, Drive!, Picnic, Lonely Day, Wine Safari, Miles' Theme, Los Olivos, Chasing The Golfers, Walk To The Hitching Post, Abandoning The Wedding, Slipping Away As Mum Sleeps, Bowling Tango, I’m Not Drinking Any #&^% Merlo! and Miles And Maya.
Other Information
Alexander Payne directed this movie, and also wrote the script, that was adapted from a novel that was written by Rex Pickett.
The Score was written by Rolfe Kent.
Release in October, 2004.
Viewing time about 2 hours.
Rated R for the sexual content, nudity and language.
My Conclusion
You'll laughed a lot and cry a little, and that's what makes a good movie.
I think you should make sure you see this movie. The movie is as rare a glass of expensive wine.
Thanks for reading my review.
This movie is in theaters in North America, India, and the UK.
©LL2005
