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I can completely understand why the critics would love Sideways so much – they see a reflection of themselves in this intellectual with little luck with the lady-folk. I did. Miles is a fascinating character who goes through quite a bit over the course of the film. The problem is, the film as a whole isn’t revolutionary, and frankly, I was a little disappointed.

In fact, of all of Taylor and Payne’s films, this one doesn’t exactly rank near the biting and acerbic Election. Oh, you can see that potential floating just above the surface, but after another wide shot of a sunset and some people drinking wine, you just start to wonder when the midlife freakout-antics are going to come. It does come eventually – just not soon enough.

You cheer for Miles, and you’re glad when he does start to feel the brief tinges of love, especially because Maya (Virginia Madsen) is so enigmatic, relaxed and yes, beautiful. But it’s a cursory romance that doesn’t really cut to the core. We get it; they get along – but enough to deal with a weekend of madcap antics and pain?

The thing that surprised me most about Sideways, though, was all the talk about Paul Giamatti’s performance in this film. Don’t get me wrong, he was great, and his performance was clearly the best part of the film. But it didn’t come anywhere near his performance in American Splendor – to see him channel Harvey Peckar in that film is the real joy. I still think he should have been nominated, but if anything he should have won last year.

There’s a lot of funny and interesting stuff in Sideways and I’m sure it will appeal to appeal to most people. But knowing what potential the writers and the actors have – it’s a little disappointing that they’re saddled with a film that’s at times slow and lumbering. Like a good red, you should probably let it swish around in your mouth, but it might not be the best taste going down.

Movie Grade: B-

It's NOT MERLOT!

Video and Audio: 4 out of 5
It’s wide and warm and the sound is just fine. While some have complained that the whole thing is too hazy because of a bad transfer, I’ll disagree. I think (having not seen the film in the theater) that the halos of sunlight that ring the scenes are completely purposeful. After all, as a lifelong (until recently) Californian, this is what my mind sees when I think of sunny Santa Barbara
Widescreen Anamorphic – 1.85:1 / English (Dolby 5.1)

Extras: 3 out of 5
Not a bad set of extras for this small film. The commentary with Giamatti and Hayden-Church isn’t going to keep you in stitches, but it’s fairly funny. Better are the seven deleted scenes with introductions by the director.

Overall: 3 out of 5
Far and beyond, I would recommend the less-accessible American Splendor over this film. That is if you want to see a great Giamatti performance. However, if you’re a middle-aged fan of wine and unlikely romance, I suppose that you could do worse than Sideways.

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