"Sideways"

Paul Giamatti
Thomas Haden Church
Virginia Madsen
Sandra Oh


R           123min           2004

“Sideways” is two men reaching middle age with not much to show but disappointment, embark on a week long road trip through California's wine country, just as one is about to take a trip down the aisle.

For me it was interesting in seeing a world that I have never participated in and probable never will. “Sideways” always so had great characterization and arcs. One hand you see a train wreck take steps to correct itself and a man scared to grow up and the destruction that it causes.

The subtle and greatness of this film may only be found with hardcore movie watchers. That’s not to say its an easy watch, this is a true independent film with big name stars. The acting is superb. Filmed in the authentic wine country the background scenery is just beautiful.

The characters in this film are all flawed by in their flaws you find that you can forgive some of the despicable things that they don’t. The four main characters are like college kids on a middle-aged spring break. Even though their lives aren’t assessable to most, you care and root for these character. Having that third person perspective you see things that are coming but your still interested in the journey and surprised by the outcome that you didn’t see coming.

“Sideways” display some great acting from Paul Giamatii, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen, and Sarah Oh. Giamatti displays his character mental frailty that makes you care for him and the plight that he is facing. Thomas Haden Church plays smarmy better than anyone else, it so convincing that the first time you see him you know your going to want to slap him. Madsen and Oh play total polar opposites. Madsen is a woman weary of love and Oh goes out and tries to find love in every relationship, to the point of being unhealthy for her family.

The casual view may not be interested this film, but if you are a fan of any of the four actors then this is a film for you. “Sideways” showcases the top of their acting abilities, beautiful scenes of California wine country.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"Junebug"

Embeth Davidtz
Alessandro Nivola
Alicia Van Couvering
Scott Wilson
Benjamin McKenzie
Amy Adams
Frank Hoyt Taylor
Joanne Pankow

R           106min           2005

“Junebug” is about an art dealer of outsider art threatens the equilibrium of her middle-class in-laws in North Carolina. Madeline is a go-getting art gallery owner from Chicago, recently married to George, a near-perfect Southern beau. When Madeline needs to close a deal with a reclusive North Carolina artist, George introduces her to his family: prickly mother Peg, taciturn father Eugene, cranky brother Johnny, and Johnny's pregnant, childlike wife Ashley, who is awe-struck by her glamorous sister-in-law. Madeline's presence exposes the fragile family dynamics as hidden resentments and anxieties surface. Written by Sujit R. Varma

This film captures the weird and quietness of North Carolinians. To an outsider they would think that the film was an exaggeration but is in fact the way people live in North Carolina. Having lived most of my life in North Carolina, I have met characters just like this from this movie. It’s a true representation of a part of the culture that envelops North Carolina, especially in the small town scatter throughout the state.

The cast is outstanding and captures the subtle of North Carolinian attitudes. They represent a typical small North Carolina town family. Amy Adams and Benjamin McKenzie shine in their parts. If I had never seen any of their other works I would have thought they were locates that made it into this film. They really captured what it is to be a North Carolinian.

Filmed in Wake Forest it showed those hidden pockets the outside world rarely sees. The stillness, the quiet, the flow of the south is in full bloom. The beauty and tranquility of North Carolina is in full display. “Junebug” shows off the beauty that is to be found in North Carolina and I commend them for that. It’s a film that North Carolinians can be proud of; although this film portrays specific section of Carolinian life. North Carolina has more to offer and is a great place to live.

I give 3/5 Gs.

"11:14"

Rachel Leigh Cook
Hillary Swank
Patrick Swayze
Barbara Hershey
Henry Thomas
Colin Hanks
Shawn Hatosy
Ben Foster
Rick Gomez

R           86min           2003


“11:14” is about the lives of several residents of this town and their events that converge at 11:14 in a traffic accident. Reminiscent in its storytelling to “Pulp Fiction”and “Memento”it has many interesting characters. This is a true indie film with Hollywood actors in the parts and they are not wasted. It has great writing and character develop.

The non-linear storytelling lends its self to the film. The way its told it references itself to give the viewer a better understanding of what is happening and what they are seeing. I took each section told at face value and it wasn’t until middle ways that the big picture came into view.

“11:14” has talented actors in their parts. Hillary Swank was shocking in this unglamorous and unconventional role; at first her high profile was a little distracting to me and took me out of the film until her character was developed later in the film. Overall this was a well cast film. It’s parts were better that the total sum.

Once you see the big picture you realize you how seemly outrageous this film is and how its these random events in life that lead to things like this. This film is a perfect example of the ‘Chaos Theory’. Events that lead to the craziest night in these people’s lives and the will never know how connected they are.


I give it 3/5 Gs.