Sideways

I've been wanting to see this movie for awhile and tonight, I finally got to. Directed by Alexander Payne ("Election" and "About Schmidt"), "Sideways" is a little movie about wine, friendship, divorce, depression, and tiny bit of hope. It falls somewhere between "About Schmidt" and "Election" in that it's not as dark as "Election," and not as quietly moving as "About Schmidt," but in the end (similar to "About Schmidt") "Sideways" gives the audience a small taste of hope despite its somewhat depressing, oddly funny and dismal road-flick-feel.

Now, I loved "About Schmidt," so I was going in wanting something of that level of greatness. When I left the theater though, I felt a tad bit disappointed. Despite a wonderful, knockout, Oscar-worthy performance by Paul Giovannnanieaiti (don't remember how to spell his last name) the movie simply glides along, jumping from one scene to the next unsure of its exact destination point. The wine talk is wonderful, as there are dozens of subtextual meanings arising from them but the movie on the whole is not great, just good. I love how Payne manages to make us care about people who we really shouldn't care for. I love how he captures (in almost every film he makes) the normal people of America and the fascinating lives they lead. However, this film was my least favorite of the "three." I won't be surprised if Paul earns an oscar-nod but I would be surprised if the movie wins a best picture nod b/c the movie--in its entirety--is just a little too drunk on itself to be taken extremely seriously. There's my confused feelings and thoughts. I liked it...I just didn't love it. I'd welcome other thoughts/comments though.