Review of Sideways (2004) by Robert B — 11 Apr 2012

Sideways is one of those films you approach not expecting much, and then find a wonderful small-made film with great characters. Paul Giamatti plays Miles, a failed writer who is meeting up with his friend Jack, and going off on a week-long road trip around wine country before Jack gets married. The relationship between them is fascinating the whole time, at times annoyed and angry with each other, their friendship still comes through quite well and makes them both interesting character.

As side characters we have Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh, two local women who become interested with the men. Both are that rare thing, a 3-dimensional female character in film, and both portrayed very well. One of the main subjects brought up in this film is wine, specifically red wine, the likes of Merlot and Pinot, the dialogue on wine shows a great love of it, and adds to the film. Very enjoyable film.