Memorial Day Movie Marathon - Part II

Sideways
Most of us have a friend who isn't as skilled at talking to the opposite sex. Every now and again they need a little coaching, some encouragement. They're not bad people-- in fact, usually they're great people. They're just not as socially gifted as others.
Which is what makes Sideways an intriguing movie. Starring Pig Vomit from Howard Stern's movie and The Guy From Wings, it explores the relationship between two very different friends on a week-long bachelor party. It starts off slowly, but picks up steam towards the middle. The first time I tried to watch it, I ended up passing out on the couch. Second time was the charm. It wasn't as much a steady plot outlined movie as it was a character sketch, and for that I think the critics really picked up on it. Both lead parts were played flawlessly, but there wasn't anything where you sit back and say "Wow." I wouldn't recommend this flick to anybody under 30, since the main characters were in their 40's and the recurring themes (divorce, finding yourself in middle age) don't hit home as well with the young folks.
The ending dragged a little and turned out a touch predictable, but Paul Giamatti's character was so oddly likeable that it wouldn't have been right any other way.
Final score: 6 out of 10.

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