Review of Sideways (2009) by Zeus M — 24 Jan 2010

Sideways is one of those films that I see as both drama and comedy. It is both heartfelt and funny. It is not complicated but it is smartly done. A film that makes you feel good after watching it.

Miles (Played by the always great Paul Giamatti)and Jack (haven't seen him much but he's good here too) goes on a road trip to celebrate Jack's last days of being single. They do golf, hang out on bars, eat on different restaurants, and lots of wine tasting. Along the way they take along Maya and Stephanie to have a good time during their vacation week. The plot revolves on how our funny pair gets in their own present issues(more on Miles than Jack) and how this trip would lead them towards enjoying their time and lives.

We see these two guys trying to have some fun and what they get is a life altering experience they will never forget (Well at least Jack was trying to make Miles enjoy his time which is not the plan since it was supposed to be the other way around).

Maybe the best thing about this film is it's casting of Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church. They make such a good pair for this film they're perfect together. Miles the depressed one is acted deeply by Paul that we the audience feels for him deeply too. He's the best guy to do the part. As for the other casts, they all did well too. The casting was really great.

Second best thing(if not in par with the cast) is the script. The script is fun, subtle, and genuine. We see through the script the hearts of our characters thoroughly. My favorite dialogue would be the one where Miles and Maya talks on the porch where in Maya holds Jack's hand. Man that was very moving. The same with it's script is the direction. The film goes on smoothly. My favorite scene would be the one where Miles goes on a rampage running down a slope after hearing a bad news.

All in all, this film made me see that life is not suppose to be too fun or too depressing. Life must be enjoyed in it's entirety. Enjoy!