The Bottom Line
Pros
- Laugh-out-loud funny, but rather serious and satisfying story about mid-life male crisis
- Oscar-winning screenplay, strong ensemble cast, elegant direction
- Shot in charming and not-so-well-known locations in wine country north of Santa Barbara
Cons
- Mid-life theme might not speak to some younger adults
- Some women seem to be reminded of unpleasant experiences they've had with men
- Some people may be put off by the film's many references to wine
Description
- DVD containing bittersweet comedy "Sideways" (2004)
- Movie nominated for 5 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director
- Film directed by Alexander Payne ("About Schmidt," "Election")
- Movie stars ensemble cast: Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh
- DVD provides feature-length commentary by actors Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church
- DVD has 6 deleted scenes plus one alternate scene (Couples' Afternoon Together)
- DVD contains six-and-a-half minute behind-the-scenes featurette
- MPAA Rating: R for language, some strong sexual content and nudity
- Feature run time: 2 hours 7 minutes
- DVD release date: April 5, 2005
Guide Review - "Sideways" DVD
I first saw "Sideways" in a theater, where I laughed loud and often. I wasn't at all surprised when later the movie was nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Watching the film at home on DVD, I found the film just as entertaining as I had on the big screen.
"Sideways" chronicles a trip taken to the wine country about an hour north of Santa Barbara by pals Miles (Paul Giamatti) and Jack (Thomas Haden Church), both of whom are fortyish. Miles, who's having trouble getting over a divorce, wants nothing more than drinking wine and male bonding. But Jack is out to have some sexual adventures before his upcoming wedding, and he quickly connects with a winery tasting room pourer (Sandra Oh) and sets Miles up with her friend (Virginia Madsen).
The guys behave pretty badly towards the gals, and I found the results both funny and heart-wrenching. But the story felt satisfying to me because Miles finally learned something. I also enjoyed the movie's treatment of wine as symbolic of various aspects of life.
The "Sideways" DVD comes with a few bonus materials. There's an audio commentary track with Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church, and it's the best I've heard featuring actors. The guys are knowledgeable, have great chemistry together, and are at times hilarious. The DVD also has six deleted scenes, an alternate version of a scene, and a six-and-a-half-minute behind-the-scenes featurette.
