Review of Bottle Shock (2008) by Bobby S — 05 May 2009

This is not as intelligent or funny as "Sideways", though they were obviously going after that audience and I can't imagine this being made without the success of that previous film.

I spent the first half of "Bottle Shock"comparing it unfavorably, because this labored under clunky direction by Randal Miller (who began his career doing TV and hip hop house comedies). One of those directors who doesn't seem sure where to put a camera, and moves it around a lot on tracks to cover the fact.

The editing was no better, lacking a smooth rhythm and even cutting back and forth between those tracking shots and jerky handheld. Score was mostly forgettable since most of the music budget seemed to be spent acquiring 70s rock and pop hits. The script seemed undecided whether it wanted to be That 70s Show or endeavor to explore the philosophies and politics behind California's true grassroots rise as a serious wine producing competitor to France. And what was with Chris Pine's lousy blond hippy wig? Awful awful awfully distracting. Hopefully he'll do better with a clean cut look in "Star Trek" (opening in a few days).

However, the movie grew on me by the third act, mostly because of the sweetly compelling nature of the true story. I was drawn to the two natural winemakers, played by Bill Pullman and Freddy Rodri­guez. One a wine lover who risks his life savings and career in order to pursue his dream, the other a farmer's son who has grown up with his hands in the soil, both with grapes on the brain and in their soul. And Alan Rickman is always fun to watch, though this is not among his best work as he has too many lines in French to phonetically stumble through.

The landscape cinematography of the vineyards is quite beautiful, by Mike Ozier, and takes full advantage of the extra-widescreen anamorphic format.

My criticisms are somewhat nitpicky and I wouldn't dissuade anyone from seeing it, but it's not a must see unless you're an oenophile. Even so, if you haven't yet seen "Sideways" then I strongly recommend you watch that first instead, to see how these sort of comedies are meant to be made, and to learn more about wine as well!