Official Movie Website Theatrical Release 2004 Home Video Not Available MPAA Rating Rated R for language, some strong sexual content and nudity Running Time 2 hours 4 minutes Directed by Alexander Payne Cast Paul Giamitti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh, M. C. Gainey, Marylouise Burke, Jessica Hecht Studio Fox Searchlight Pictures |
SIDEWAYS
In life, the path that we choose to take may go a little
sideways. Sometimes that's good and sometimes
it's bad, and sometimes it's neither, just a bend in
the road of life. For Miles (Paul Giamatti) and his pal,
Jack (Thomas Hayden), the fork in the road occurs
just before Jack's wedding and lasts exactly one
week. The two old friends venture out to the
vineyards of California on a wine tasting trip and, as
it turns out, a life tasting trip.
For Miles, a divorced middle-school English teacher,
the trip is just what he needs to get away from his
humdrum existence that's shrouded by failure, both
professional and personal. For Jack, it's that one
last fling before he commits himself in marriage. For
both, it turns out to be the trip of a lifetime, including
wine, women, and misadventure.
Director Alexander Payne may have a crossover
film here, that is, from the art house to the cineplex.
The subject matter is right on target for the
mainstream audience, yet sublime enough for the
intellectuals.
sideways. Sometimes that's good and sometimes
it's bad, and sometimes it's neither, just a bend in
the road of life. For Miles (Paul Giamatti) and his pal,
Jack (Thomas Hayden), the fork in the road occurs
just before Jack's wedding and lasts exactly one
week. The two old friends venture out to the
vineyards of California on a wine tasting trip and, as
it turns out, a life tasting trip.
For Miles, a divorced middle-school English teacher,
the trip is just what he needs to get away from his
humdrum existence that's shrouded by failure, both
professional and personal. For Jack, it's that one
last fling before he commits himself in marriage. For
both, it turns out to be the trip of a lifetime, including
wine, women, and misadventure.
Director Alexander Payne may have a crossover
film here, that is, from the art house to the cineplex.
The subject matter is right on target for the
mainstream audience, yet sublime enough for the
intellectuals.
Mary's comments
A little slow at the start, I worried that
things weren't going to pick up. Then I
realized “pick-up” was the operative
phrase. When the guys picked up Maya
(Virginia Madson) and Stephanie (Sandra
Oh) things started to roll. Fine casting and
performances all around. Well worth a trip
to the movies, art house or cineplex.
A little slow at the start, I worried that
things weren't going to pick up. Then I
realized “pick-up” was the operative
phrase. When the guys picked up Maya
(Virginia Madson) and Stephanie (Sandra
Oh) things started to roll. Fine casting and
performances all around. Well worth a trip
to the movies, art house or cineplex.
Brenda's comments
Vintage 2004, a fine bouquet, with a slightly
nutty aftertaste, but offering a rare and
tasty treat for the connoisseur or the
amateur. In other words, a great film that
can be enjoyed by all adults. A road trip for
the more middle-aged crowd to enjoy.
Vintage 2004, a fine bouquet, with a slightly
nutty aftertaste, but offering a rare and
tasty treat for the connoisseur or the
amateur. In other words, a great film that
can be enjoyed by all adults. A road trip for
the more middle-aged crowd to enjoy.
© 2003 St. Louis Movie Review Weekly. All rights reserved, except where indicated.
All movie titles, pictures, etc...are the property of their respective studios.
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All movie titles, pictures, etc...are the property of their respective studios.
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| ST. LOUIS MOVIE REVIEW WEEKLY Brenda S. Ladd & Mary K. Morgan |
DVD Details
DISC SPECS
Pan & Scan 1.33
Audio
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Dolby Surround Spanish & French
Interactive Features
Hidden Features Easter Eggs
Languages: English, Spanish, French
Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
Running Time: 2 hrs. 3 mins.
Number of Discs: 1
Features:
· Commentary by Paul Giamatti and
Thomas Haden Church
· 7 deleted scenes
· Behind-the-scenes featurette
· 3 Easter eggs
Trailers
Theatrical Trailer
Pan & Scan 1.33
Audio
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Dolby Surround Spanish & French
Interactive Features
Hidden Features Easter Eggs
Languages: English, Spanish, French
Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
Running Time: 2 hrs. 3 mins.
Number of Discs: 1
Features:
· Commentary by Paul Giamatti and
Thomas Haden Church
· 7 deleted scenes
· Behind-the-scenes featurette
· 3 Easter eggs
Trailers
Theatrical Trailer