Sideways

A movie where I sadly saw pieces of myself in Giamatti's character. It's a fun little romp, but doesn't lose any intelligence or wittiness along the way. Thomas Hayden Church was deserving of all the accolades he got for the movie (he shines).

Two-plus hours that breezed by, and I was a bit saddened to see it end. I can't believe how much I enjoyed spending time with the two main characters, when they clearly aren't meant to be Hollywood-style "likable". In fact, nothing about the movie plays as you'd expect it to, which often results in the best comedies, in my book. The movie is also beautifully shot, while Giamatti and Church are both great at making you care about people that you would normally hate. Perfect ending, as well.

Great drama, great comedy, great characters. The four leads are perfectly cast. I would've never thought I'd find Sandra Oh sexy but she's just that in this. And like the rest of the film it's never blatant and all the more real for it. Cruise&Clooney were campaigning for the leads and god bless Payne for saying no. He knew he was fashioning something smaller but more refined. No "jokes" here, just humor that's a natural outgrowth of the characters and the situations they find themselves in.

I have a very limited pallate, both in regards to wine and indie movies that are lauded by critics. Whereas you may smell hints of orange rinds and honey, I smell hints of pretentiousness and Sandra Oh's face.

(2nd viewing) One of the best ensemble cast you'll ever encounter, I loved the 2 leads, probably the best onscreen comedic duo since "Swingers". A highly entertaining and compelling indie film, I wasn't bored for a second. Is it me or does Church look like Alex Delarge ?