SIDEWAYS (2004) - ♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Alexander Payne

 

Written by - Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor (based on the novel by Rex Pickett)

 

Starring - Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh

 

 

 

"Perfectly balanced comedy drama as tasteful as a glass of Pinot (not Merlot) about two men’s trip wine tasting trip through the California countryside that hides heavy intimate undertones about depression struggles with starting or starting over again. The poignant and honest brutality of the human portrayal of the characters is remarkably rewarding, while its interest is kept up by a wonderful script full of intelligent one liners. The bickering lead characters also give Sideways that feel of modernisation of the old Laurel and Hardy off couple road trip formula with added realism. Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church, with their portrayal of the men with clashing personalities, turn in excellent performances. In the end, this is one of the most harrowing yet delightfully entertaining examinations of middle age ever brought to the screen, for which Alexander Payne must certainly be praised."

 

 

Drama, USA