Sideways (2004)
Director:
Alexander PayneStars:
Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church and Virginia MadsenPLOT SUMMARY
A bordering on middle-aged middle school English teacher and wino by hobby takes his former-actor friend on a wild trip up to Napa Valley, where his friend wants to sow his wild oats one more time before getting married.
WHAT YOU MIGHT LIKE
This is a great job by Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church. The two friend's bond is what made me care about the movie. I also thought that director Alexander Payne and Cinematographer Phedon Papamichael did a great job of photographing the valley, which made it even more interesting. They create a warm feel and environment for these two philandering men.
Also worth noting is Virginia Madsen the sensual "pourer" who Giamatti likes.
WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE
There is a A LOT of desperation in this movie, some scenes result in the two running from naked, angry cuckolded husbands. Also, the movie taps into Giamatti's melancholy, and they document him spiraling. This could be an uncomfortable for any alcohlics or people who are depressive.
Giamatti is trying to get a novel published so he can quit his day job of reading Tom Sawyer to middle school kids who would rather be somewhere else.
IN SUMMATION
I have to say though that the ending to this movie was one of the most beautiful endings of all time. I don't want to give it away, except that it ends with a beginning.