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Connor Macgregor Reviews...Sideways
Another one Of Doug Walker's recommendations. I saw the trailer a bunch of times, so i bought it on DVD and gave it a watch.
Miles is a failed writer living a meager existence in San Diego as an English teacher. With his career seemingly fading and the fate of a book hinging on a publisher's decision, Miles is depressed with himself and what he hasn't achieved. Jack is a television actor whom some recognize but not many do, as if he were a minor actor who got a taste of success. With his best friend Miles, the two embark on a road trip through California's wine country. Miles wants to give his friend a nice sendoff before married life, while Jack simply wants to have a fling beforehand. As they're both nearing middle age with not much to show for it, the two will explore the vineyards while ultimately searching for their identities.
This film really is an interesting Road Dramedy film. Director Alexander Payne takes us on a weird but interesting road trip in which two middle aged men go on a life learning week trip before Jack's wedding. Miles is depressed and with the casting of Paul Giamatti, i think they got the character spot on. Paul is a great actor of emotion and this is one of his finest performances. Alone, Sad and barely without humour, he wants to be successful and acheive his dreams, but the real world is always pushing him back. Jack is a man with one week of freedom and goes out partying, sleeping with another woman who he leads on who she believes is in a proper relationship. All 4 central characters Jack,Miles,Maya & Stephanie are all wonderful characters with a personality and own problems that they face in life.
The Direction and Writing for this film is great. It has its comedic moments, combined with its drama for the characters. While at times, i did feel there was too much drama, but only a little too much and they didn't over do it. The Score to the film was also very relaxing and was like Lounge Music, but a bit more of a road dramedy like way, its hard to explain.
Overall, good film to see if you like Road Trips with character driven stories. Wonderful acting, score, writing, direction and above all, an interesting find. See it if you can.
Rating - 86% - A-
Connor Macgregor Reviews...Sideways
Another one Of Doug Walker's recommendations. I saw the trailer a bunch of times, so i bought it on DVD and gave it a watch.
Miles is a failed writer living a meager existence in San Diego as an English teacher. With his career seemingly fading and the fate of a book hinging on a publisher's decision, Miles is depressed with himself and what he hasn't achieved. Jack is a television actor whom some recognize but not many do, as if he were a minor actor who got a taste of success. With his best friend Miles, the two embark on a road trip through California's wine country. Miles wants to give his friend a nice sendoff before married life, while Jack simply wants to have a fling beforehand. As they're both nearing middle age with not much to show for it, the two will explore the vineyards while ultimately searching for their identities.
This film really is an interesting Road Dramedy film. Director Alexander Payne takes us on a weird but interesting road trip in which two middle aged men go on a life learning week trip before Jack's wedding. Miles is depressed and with the casting of Paul Giamatti, i think they got the character spot on. Paul is a great actor of emotion and this is one of his finest performances. Alone, Sad and barely without humour, he wants to be successful and acheive his dreams, but the real world is always pushing him back. Jack is a man with one week of freedom and goes out partying, sleeping with another woman who he leads on who she believes is in a proper relationship. All 4 central characters Jack,Miles,Maya & Stephanie are all wonderful characters with a personality and own problems that they face in life.
The Direction and Writing for this film is great. It has its comedic moments, combined with its drama for the characters. While at times, i did feel there was too much drama, but only a little too much and they didn't over do it. The Score to the film was also very relaxing and was like Lounge Music, but a bit more of a road dramedy like way, its hard to explain.
Overall, good film to see if you like Road Trips with character driven stories. Wonderful acting, score, writing, direction and above all, an interesting find. See it if you can.
Rating - 86% - A-