Review of Sideways (2009) by Ben H — 18 Feb 2012

I was feeling the weariness before I even started the film. So I let that be its test, because I knew if it wasn't good ... I would've been out like a light! Watching it the next morning.

I loved this film! It started off very simple, and realistic, which was why the movie worked very well. It was all very believable. So it kept my interest as to what was going to happen next. They traveled up north, made a few winery stops along the way, checked in the hotel, went to dinner, ... it was all necessary expedition to lead into the 1st couple of plot points of meeting the female characters. Which weren't too bad to look at which always helps.

I liked how the filmmakers showed the transitions of the experiences. How the 2 leads meet the women and how the evening slowly just goes downhill for Paul Giamatti's character. For instance, when he's talking to Virginia Madsen back at her girlfriend's house and you're with him in his corner, making the decisions with him, rooting for him, and screwing up chances with him, etc. I was talking at the screen because I was so into that scene!

Or how Thomas Haden Church's character meets the waitress and ends up at her house. It was a subtle transition but a good one nonetheless, not to mention a crucial point for the story. It strengthened the friendship between the two guys.

I like how everything comes back full circle in the end. The guys get over what would've split them up, Paul Giamatti gets over his ex, etc. It all just left me with a feeling of satisfaction. I'd definitely recommend for anyone in search of a good story. It was very fulfilling and quite entertaining on top of all its stimulation.