Directed by Alexander Payne from a screenplay written by himself and collaborator Jim Taylor (I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY would you believe it), 2004's SIDEWAYS is a comedy about middle-age, depression and alcoholism. Miles Raymond (Paul Giamatti) is a divorced wine aficionado and unpublished writer of a terrible sounding semi-autobiographical novel who takes best friend and former television star Jack (Thomas Hayden Church) on a road trip through California wine country ahead of Jack's impending marriage. Though his friend focuses on one final fling with wine pourer Stephanie (Sandra Oh) before getting hitched more than he does sampling the best the Santa Ynez Valley has to offer, Miles finds something deeper in the vineyards with Maya (Virgina Madsen). Giamatti has a relatable everyman charm about him which allows you to empathise with and even forgive him no matter how badly he disgraces himself which includes stealing from his own mother while fellow Spider-Man villain Thomas Hayden Church somehow manages to find some depth in the vacuous Peter Pan Syndrome suffering Jack. Character actor M.C. Gainey's penis almost steals the movie but it's the thoughtful themes about maturity, aging, male friendships and the need for patience to nurture people in relationships which lingers on the palate.
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