January 18, 2005 -- This is a funny, heartwarming story of a couple of guys out for a week of boozing it up in California's wine country. Paul Giamatti (“American Splendor”) stars as Miles Raymond, a school teacher who wants to be a novelist. His friend, played by Thomas Hayden Church (“Spanglish”) is Jack, a washed-up actor who is about to be married, but wants to sow some wild oats first.

I poured myself a big glass of Schlink Haus Spatlese wine before watching the movie. This film was as smooth as the wine. The misadventures of these two are funny and engaging at every turn. Jack, a real hound, spends all of his time trying to get laid. Miles feels sorry for himself after his divorce and doesn't want to get into another relationship. His friend wants to get him out of his funk, and arranges a double date for the two of them.

Miles finds himself falling for his date, the lovely Maya (Virginia Madsen), in spite of his resistance to the very idea of taking a chance on love. The two engage in a lovely conversation about wine that is really about much more than wine. It is also a revealing conversation about themselves and their desires and passions. Miles is a wine connoisseur and he spends a great deal of time talking about wine. This seems like a dodge. He is avoiding facing up to his divorce, his inability to get his book published and his dead-end job. He'd rather drown himself in wine.

The real revelation here is Jack. He is the opposite of his cautious, introspective friend Miles. In most films, this self-centered character would be simpler and shallower. In the hands of writer-director Alexander Payne (co-written by Jim Taylor of “About Schmidt,” “Election”), Jack is a complex, multi layered character with an intelligence that belies his foolish actions. Thomas Haden Church gives the performance of his career as Jack. He's both despicable and loveable at the same time. Jack pairs up with the hot-tempered Stephanie (Sandra Oh of “Under the Tuscan Sun”) for a volatile relationship that heats up fast during that first double date.

This is a very well-crafted film that benefits from great performances by Giamatti, Church, Madsen and others. The film is more of a character study than anything else, but with characters as good as these, you really don't need much of a plot. Marvelous use of location photography in California's wine country, and a solid soundtrack, completes this very slick, satisfying package. It rates a B+.

For more information on this film, including trailer, message board, Miles and Jack wine tour, story, cast and filmmakers, imagery, soundtrack, life uncorked (vignettes), wine tasting 101, snob free guide to wine, click on this link to the official home page of Sideways.

Copyright © 2005 Robert Roten. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.

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