Rating of
3/4
Sideways review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 03/28/12
An actor named Jack Cole (Thomas Haden Church) and writer friend Miles Raymond (Paul Giamatti) go on a trip. They drop by Mile’s mother. His mom reminds about his ex-wife Victoria, free for 2 years. Jack is getting married to Christine and talks about Mile’s lack of a relationship. The “car scene” is one of the funniest from the film. Location and days were detailed when the pair travels and soundtrack enlightening. They both encounter Maya (Virginia Madsen), a waitress and meets Stephanie. Miles discovers that Victoria has remarried.
Cinematography and direction was good if only the pace of the story could be said the same. Paul Giamatti’s acting brought this picture alive, as you can really see the pain and depression based on his experiences. Screenplay was terrific with lines from Miles – “It’s time. You just got to let your eyes open.” “I’m not much of anything.” “I know I did a bad thing.” Jack – “We’re not getting any younger.” “Just don’t give-up.” Maya – “Don’t give up Miles, keep writing.” Sideways' pace and humor could have been improved; however its realism and themes of love, fidelity, friendship and optimism were tackled beautifully.
