Review of Sideways (2004) by Michael M — 25 May 2013

I saw 'Sideways' before it won any kind of awards. I could tell your right after I exited the movie theater, that it would be a major Oscar contender this past awards season. I wasn't wrong -- 'Sideways' took the Golden Globe Award for 'Best Picture (Comedy or Musical)' and was nominated for five Academy Awards and won one for Best Adapted Screenplay. 'Sideways' deserved all of this and a hell of a lot more. 'Sideways' is an extremely special movie that I predict will go down as a classic.

'Sideways' was adapted from the amazing novel by Rex Pickett by the same name. The story is about two on-the-approach-of-middle-age men, Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Wings' Thomas Haden Church). Both are going through some form of a mid-life crisis, one more obvious -- Miles, and one more subdued -- Jack. Miles is a recent divorcée, wine enthusiast and struggling novelist trying to get his book published while working as an eighth grade public school English teacher. Jack is a washed-up soap opera actor now doing commercials for depression medication that's about to get married. Before the marriage, Miles takes Jack on a seven day road trip up to the wine country to celebrate Jack's last week of freedom. During the trip a lot of interesting situations approach them and their friendship to each other gets tested. During the road trip they meet a restaurant waitress, Maya (Virginia Madsen) and her wild motorcycle driving friend Stephanie (Arliss' Sandra Oh) who works at a winery. They hang out together and Miles and Maya start to hit it off, but there is one problem. Jack (who is about to get married) starts up a relationship with Stephanie that could tear apart his marriage and other people around him.

'Sideways' is kind of a comedy-drama, like all of master filmmaker Alexander Payne's films (About Schmidt, Election., Citizen Ruth). It will probably appeal most to the middle-aged crowd then it will to teenagers or young adults. Everything in 'Sideways' is just about perfect. The acting in 'Sideways' is better than any movie released last year. Thomas Haden Church makes a most impressive comeback as Jack that was honored with an Academy Award Nomination. Virginia Madsen gives her very best screen performance as Maya, the complicated, beautiful love interest of Miles -- that should have won her an Oscar this year. Even Sandra Oh is pretty good in the precious few screen time she has. But, by a long shot the best performance of the film comes from the wonderful Paul Giamatti. He provides such a rich, frustrated and incredible character that it's hard to doubt Giamatti's brilliance as an actor despite films he's done like 'Big Momma's House' and 'Paycheck'. In this Giamatti shows everyone that he is not just that funny weird looking supporting character in goofy action films, but actually one of our generations most outstanding and prominent actors. Giamatti provides us with 2004's Greatest Male Performance that not only should have gotten him an Oscar nomination, but should have gotten him the actual award itself. Mark my words, one day Paul Giamatti will be recognized for his eminent work.

Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor provide one of the best screenplays in recent years, and Payne does a fabulous job directing. The only faults of the film are perhaps being a tiny bit overlong and lagging at certain points. After that it's clear sailing. There are many humorous parts in 'Sideways' (most of which involve the great Thomas Haden Church) and there are an equal amount of deep emotional moments. It's the same perfect formula used in Payne's last film 'About Schimdt' which I enjoyed a tad better than this. Rolfe Kent provides a wonderful musical score and you can learn a substantial amount about wine by watching this film.

'Sideways' is a excellent picture and is not to be missed. It was just released on DVD this week and I'd highly recommend renting it. I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed. Grade: A-.

MADE MY TOP 300 LIST AT #: 53.