Review of Sideways (2009) by I Don't Know W — 05 Jul 2011

Directed by Alexander Payne, Sideways follows Miles (Paul Giamatti), who is distressed about his lack of success as a novelist, and Jack (Thomas Haden Church), an equally unsuccessful actor with a rapidly approaching wedding. In a last-ditch effort to sow their wild oats, Jack and Miles take off on a final road trip to California's wine country the week prior to Jack's wedding. Both men have goals for the vacation -- Miles wants to turn Jack on to the art of wine tasting, while Jack is concerned with exploiting his last days as a bachelor -- but when the two men come across two fascinating women (Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh), the duo is forced to examine their morality, and if maturity isn't such a depressing prospect -- at least, for one of them.

Oh wow I really love movies like this, I loved this one so much. it is now one of my most favorite movies. it definitely is one of the best movies ever. I would even love to include it in the 100 movies to see before you die list honestly. a near perfect masterpiece. such a small movie and the impact is huge. this movie is from Alexander Payne who directed Election, About Schmidt and upcoming The Descendants. this movie was a big critical hit, they were crazy about this movie. it was one of the best movies of 2004 with movies like Million Dollar baby, The Aviator, Eternal Sunshine, Ray, Hotel Rwanda and Before Sunset.

This movie was nominated for 5 Oscars, Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay, Supporting Actor Thomas Haden Church and Supporting Actress Virginia Madsen. it won 1 Oscar for adapted Screenplay.

This is one of the most touching movies I have seen. and at the same it is it is very funny, absolutely hilarious with good humor not silly jokes. a buddy road trip movie. Alexander Payne gave superb direction, he has few movies in his resume but the above mentioned are my most favorites. I loved his way of telling this story. I love his ideas. Screenplay was outstanding just what this movie needed to be a memorable masterpiece movie, excellent written work that really surprised me. Editing was nicely done. lovely cinematography and other stuffs.

Talking about the performances wow first of all the real star and scene stellar actual hero of this movie is the supporting actor. he gave a pleasantly surprising performance. I was literally shocked to see that kind of performance from an actor like him. he was superbly expressive in it, that smile, his comic timings, and that crying scene towards the end. excellently performed, two thumbs up for him. among the supporting actresses Virginia Madsen was awsome, she wasn't much in the movie but for what she was in it she kind of leaves her marks, her footprints to be honest she was the best performer in the movie with not much to do or say or express she manages to give a stellar performance. she is a pleasant to watch. Paul Giamatti is one of my favorite for his choice of movies, he did a good job too. he knows what he is doing. lovely. really like his work, underrated actor he is. other actors include Sandra Oh, Marylouise Burke , Jessica Hecht , Missy Doty , M.C. Gainey , Robert Covarrubias , Stephanie Faracy.

Sideways has such good characters and the story is just superb. two friends going on a journey through California's Vineyards before one's marriage in search of wine and girls ofcourse. they both have or experience kind of middle age crisis. one is a teacher and a struggling writer with marital problems and other one is a not much known TV actor who is there just to have fun and kind of do a WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS STAYS IN VEGAS thing. movie is beautiful charming and lovable. it is slow moving for sure, which I love but it is a lovely experience. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to all.