This afternoon, I went to go see the film Sideways. The film is a quiet romantic type film, but having said that you shouldn't get the idea that this is some kind of chick flick. This film is really a film for all adults.
The film is about two middle aged men, Miles Raymond (played by Paul Giamatti) and his college dorm roommate Jack (played by Thomas Hayden Church). Miles physically reminds me of the father of two guys whom I grew up with - having lost some of his hair, slightly paunchy, has eyes that protrude just slightly. Miles is an English middle school teacher, who has had ambitions of being a writer for the longest time, but is on the verge of failing. We also learn that his wife divorced him just a short time ago, and it is clear that Miles has some confidence problems. Meanwhile his buddy Jack, who is on the verge of getting remarried, is fairly good looking, has had some success (but not THAT much success) in acting. His is the type of success where people recognize him if he prods them a little.
The film revolves around a week long road trip that Miles and Jack decide to take before Jack gets married. The film takes place in California, where they head off into wine country. Miles, who happens to be a wine connoseur, takes Jack around on a tour of the area, educating him on the ins and outs of the wine business. Meanwhile Jack tries to get Miles laid and help him out of depressed state of mind. During their week long expedition, Jack and Miles proceed to get themselves into a series of shenanigans which reveal much about their personalities and about the fact that they really are each other's best friends. Both of these men end up doing some rather reprehensible things, but the film also makes it clear that they aren't going to get off so easily for their wrong doings.
I know, I know. It seems that anyone could have made a film like this, but the fact is that NOBODY has made a film like this. There are a number of unusual facets about this film that make it good. The situational comedies in the film make for subtle, but genuine laughs. The cinematography is subtly blurry, setting the stage for a kind of "softness" that permeates this movie. The background musical score has a bossanova, jazzy froth to it. Also, since the film is somewhat narrow in scope, you really get a chance to get into these characters and their faults. To round out the film, Virginia Madsen plays Maya and Sandra Oh plays Stephanie, both late 20 - early 30 something women who happen to work in the restaurant / winery industry. The film makes it clear that both women have been around the block once or twice romantically, and this fact adds unexpected flavors to the films' romance. And in the end, things more or less work out in favor of our protagonists!
What rating does The Mighty Wizard give Sideways - an 9 out of 10. Don't waste your time seeing Alexander. Go see this terrific film!
Ciao for now.