Review of Sideways (2004) by Matthew H — 01 May 2010

Sideways is one of the pioneering movies of my collection. It stands alone as a comedy as it features none of the typical traits. It's not a teenage grossout comedy, there's no Jim Carreyesque elements and it deals with 30 - 40 somethings rather than beautiful Hollywood 20 somethings. It's hard to even categorise Sideways as a comedy because for me, whilst I like them, it is so rare for a comedy film to really leave a deep and lasting impression on me. They're normally like popcorn, nice while it lasts but doesn't live long in the memory. This is a masterpiece of cinema and the type of movie that is easily worthy of a place in my top 15 movies.

The first thing that is done right here is the cast. Paul Giamatti heads things up as Miles, a depressed writer who can't get over his ex wife and everything seems to be going wrong for him. Miles has arranged a holiday for Jack (Thomas Haden Church), his confident playboy friend who is getting married when they return. The pair play off each other so well. Miles is sensible and boring, wanting nothing more than to taste wine, play golf and sightsee. Jack wants to spend his last week of freedom having fun and is desperate to get laid one last time before he gets married.

Throw into the mix Virginia Madsen as Mya, the waitress whom Miles falls for and pursues very awkwardly and Sandra Oh, as Stephanie, the girl who Jack has no problems seducing very quickly and yoou have a winner on your hands. The best thing about the cast is how opposite Giamatti and Haden Church's characters are as they speed through mid-life criseses and find themselves confronted with the inevitable consequences of their actions.

The script is a joy and the plot is strong with no holes anywhere. Alexander Payne has crafted a comedy that is better than any I can remember since "A Fish Called Wanda" and it doesn't even feel like a comedy, it just makes you laugh. Two hours flies by and the entire movie is a treat. In fact, the only criticism I have is that it has to end.

I can't recommend Sideways enough. If you love comedies, you'll love it. If you hate comedies, you'll love it. It's just such a well made film that it can't fail. One of my all time favourite movies and definitely the best comedy I have seen in years!!!