Review of Sideways (2004) by John S — 29 Jan 2012

"Sideways" is sort of the predecessor in a weird sort of way to 2009 hit "The Hangover." Two guys go on an alcohol fueled week-long trip right before one is about to get married and they get into trouble. The only difference is this film is far superior. Miles (Paul Giamati) is an unsuccessful author, still recovering from an ugly divorce, and is the best man at his friend's (Thomas Haden Church) wedding. They decide to go on in trip into the hills and tour the wineries. The friend who wants to get married wants to have one last fling before he gets married, so they hook up with two females working in the winery industry (Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh). Miles' friend quickly hooks up with his woman (Oh), while he slowly develops his relationship with Madsen.

The reason this film so, so good is because of the integration of both comedy and drama. Some scenes are silly (and ultimately hilarious) while others chronicle the depressed man of Miles so well that it is all too familiar. At least it was to me, because I thought I was looking in a mirror. Mind you, I don't speak that kind of profane language, but I have felt a sort of heartbreak like that towards life. It is a compelling character study of a scorn man. You can also see his guilt with this trip because of his friend's adulterous behaviour and his upset by his failed book. Everything is great in this film, especially Madsen and Giamati (who I saw in "Big Fat Liar" and that film made him out to be undeservedly annoying) and the photography and score to accompany it. I feel pity, though, on the new wife of Hayden's character. Poor woman; fantastic film!