Hyped as this years independent breakout hit, along the lines of 2004's fantastic Lost In Translation, Sideways has been winning awards left, right and centre.

At this week's Oscar nominations it captured noms for Best Picture, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Director and Screenplay. It's been almost universally acclaimed by the critics who have been throwing numerous 5 star reviews at it and labelling it as a classic. So, is the hype deserved?

Miles (Paul Giamatti) is a struggling writer turned teacher who is about to indulge on a week away with his best friend, actor Jack (Thomas Haden Church). Jack is about to be married so Miles wants to take a week away to share his passion of wine with him. Jack has other ideas about the trip, such as having one last sexual encounter before a life of marriage. The trip proves surprising for both of them, as they encounter two intriguing women.

The answer to the question I previously posed is quite frankly and without doubt, no. Not for a long time can I remember such a wildly overrated film as this. Inexplicably hailed by many as a masterpiece, it is nothing more than standard indie fare, yet without any emotional involvement. The writing is average, full of tiresome wine metaphors while the direction is basic, relying too heavily on lazy montages to pad out the overlong running time.

The cast are all fine yet none deliver Oscar-worthy performances. Haden Church and Madsen are both successful in their particular roles yet neither are really memorable enough to take Oscars home. I am a fan of Alexander Payne's previous work, which may be why I found this to be so disappointing. Election was a wickedly funny black comedy while About Schmidt was an incredibly poignant bittersweet ode to aging. But Sideways, for me, is his worst film yet also his most acclaimed.

It's unlikely to have a major effect on mass audiences as most will fail to see what all the fuss is about. The slow pace will turn many off. Not usually a problem for me, but when it isn't supported by characters I really care about or any sparkling dialogue then it becomes hard to take. The fact that Sideways won a Best Picture nomination over the likes of Closer and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is ridiculous. If you're interested in seeing what all the hype is aimed at then go see it, if only so you can quickly spread the word that it isn't the classic we all hoped for.

Sideways website

Read what Josie made of this film...

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