Sideways (2004)

Miles tries to induct Jack into
the fine art of wine appreciation

Usually ninety minutes should be enough for a film but these two hours just flew by. I went to IMDB to check out the comments and was staggered to see over seven hundred listed there. Even more surprising was the number of negative comments from people who were highly disappointed and even bored with this film. Of course there were equally many praising it highly. It shows just shows up the old adage that one man's poison is another's cup of tea. It was more than a cup of tea for me. It was a bit of a road movie, which I usually enjoy but it's the friendship between these two disparate guys that made it so interesting. One is a wine buff, Miles coming off a divorce and the other is a good-time middling actor, Jack who is about to tie the knott. The trip is supposed to send the actor off but his idea of a good send off varied from that of Miles. So the tension at first revolves around both these guys trying to have a good time in their own terms but having to compromise in the end. The story developes nicely with neither character taking the upper hand but both gaining valuable experiences which might then lead them to next phases in their lives. Some of the scenes are hillarious without becoming slapstick in humour and yet there are others which are moving but not sentimental. At no point did I feel that the film maker tried to manipulate the audience or set up a scene just to get a laugh. The acting of the two main characters was done to perfection and all supporting cast were good especially the feisty Stephanie. I was thoroughly transported and believed every minute with one minor exception towards the end but most people will pick that one and does not in any way spoil the rest of it. A gem, no two-ways.