SIDEWAYS (2004)
This is one of those movies where all of the elements that make for great cinema are perfectly aligned. I actually read the book by Rex Pickett before I saw the movie. I couldn't imagine that the movie would even come close to the quality of the book, but it did, and then some.
Paul Giamatti is just a master of his craft. One of the best. Not to take away from the entire cast - they are also top notch.
I'm a huge fan of environments - weather, time of day, backdrops, elements in a scene. Everything that can put me right there inside of the screen as though I'm living it. Sideways takes me to Solvang and Buellton; I'm right there next to the buzzing of the bees on the grapes soaking up the sun.
The screenplay is spectacular and honestly if you haven't read the book I cant recommend it enough.














