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Saw Sideways last night. The storyline didn't quite grab me: >>> two old friends setting off on a wine-tasting road trip .. only to veer dizzily SIDEWAYS into a wry, comedic exploration of the crazy vicissitudes of love and friendship. .. but the reviews were strong. In fact, few films rated higher. Sideways falls into the Roadtrip genre, like Thelma & Louise. I really wanted to see Meet the Folkers, but Sideways has been out for a while, and I didn't want to miss it before it went away (especially since reviews were so high). ••• continued ••• The film's most salient point is that you really feel like you're hanging out with these people (4 of them). Somehow, it was shot in a way that draws you in. Great casting. The people cast for each role were perfect. I can't imagine any other actors playing their parts. Not a very polished film, cinemagraphic-wise. Has a rustic feel to it. Almost like it was shot with a cheap, handheld camera. Its strength is in the dialogue, and the way it draws you in. It takes you away to California wine country with characters that are easy to like. And who doesn't like to take a roadtrip? Being a rainy Tuesday night, I thought we'd be the only ones at the theater, but it was packed. In fact, the line wrapped around and continued down the road. We waited in line so long that we ended up missing the previews (which I love). Then we had to sit way up front, much closer than I prefer. And the air conditioning was cranked up so high that it felt like a meat locker in there. The film makes you think and feel. Lots of hard belly-laughs and some incredibly sad moments. The only place it's still playing locally is the University theater. Rated R. Not a flick for kids. But mature audiences should enjoy it. I certainly did. |
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