Review of Sideways (2004) by James R — 21 Feb 2010

I had high hopes for this film; I have heard good things about it from a lot of people - and perhaps I wasn't in the right mood for it, but I didn't really find it all that compelling or good. It seemed to amble along at its own little pace and not draw me in.

I didn't really care about the main characters or their situations and was left non-plussed with all the talk of wines. There is some superb acting in this rom-com though, Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church are absolutely superb and believable; I just wanted more for them.

Again there are moments of hilarity, but I like my comedy fast paced and this was much too leisurely for my liking. I didn't hate this film, far from it, but I don't really understand why it has been hyped the way it has.

Perhaps that's just me, and perhaps it's just my taste - I remember being similarly disappointed when I watched Withnail and I which whilst very different does have certain similarities. Perhaps this is a watch with friends film; I don't think I'll be totally averse to seeing it again in a larger group - but I'm not falling over myself to put the DVD back in and have a repeat performance.

A strong character portrayal that reminded me more of a play than a film. I guess it also doesn't help that I'm not a wine fan at all. Missed your target audience Mr Payne.