Sideways

For me the movie never hit a home run and didn't strike any emotional chords but I enjoyed parts of it immensely. It was well done overall, very well acted, but just didn't stay with me.
 
John_Hudson said:
How many films do we get that do what this film does perfectly ?
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which is what, exactly? Watch one, self-absorbed, middle aged man cheat on his fiancee to get something out of his system, completely oblivious to the havoc he is wreaking on ohter peoples' lives?

or

is it watching the neurotic, creative type with low self-esteem wallow in his own self-pity, desperately clinging to the illusion of whatever relationship happens to be handy; whether it is his friend or his ex-wife, while he struggles to make the smallest bit of personal growth and reach beyond his comfort-zone?

or

is the idea of setting up a movie with: chat, chat, more chat, moving chat, montage, repeat?

What of those things have we not seen done well before?

Don't get me wrong, I liked this movie. I just don't think it lived up to its press. It was funny at times, but not a real comedy. The performances were great, but the characters were largely unsympathetic. There was great dialogue, but to much chatter and not enough action.

I have had circular debates like this before, most recently about Barton Fink. You can tell me all the things you liked about this movie. Some I will agree with, some I won't. It comes down to personal taste.

It's funny John, that I agree so closely with you about some films (like Cinderella Man) and we are so far apart about others. What I would really like to know, is how you felt about a little movie called Stand Up Guy....
 
I gotta say, Jim. This one was a weird one for me. I'm a wine nut so I loved the wine talk, understood every moment of it. But the characters were hard to like. Thomas Haden Church was self absorbed and hard to really like. Funny, yes. Sympathetic, no. But he's from El Paso so how bad can he be? Now, Paul Giamatti is something else. Great performance. I wanted to like him but who steals money from their mother? That really bothered me. Virginia Madsen. I'll marry her tomorrow. What kind of family produces Virginia Madsen and Michael Madsen? Close call on many levels but I gotta give this one a thumbs up.
 
I don't know **** about wine, but i did dig the wine talk. I respect people that are so passionate about something.
 
Michael Madsen is bad asssss:
Mr. Blonde: Are you gonna bark all day, little doggy, or are you gonna bite?
Mr. White: What was that? I'm sorry, I didn't catch it. Would you repeat it?
Mr. Blonde: Are you gonna bark all day, little doggy, or are you gonna bite?

One of the greatest moments in cinema:thumbsup:
 
He's a great actor who deserves more roles. It's strange, he does like these direct to video crap and then he'll do something worthwhile.

He'll always be remembered for the infamous ear scene in dogs.
 
Oh crap Jim. I'm sorry mang.

I'm going to rewatch and will float you a review ASAP. I've been a bit self absorbed lately (Less than 90 Days out from a major relocation to the other side of the country)

Damn it

(Agggghhhhhh) I'm sorry for completey dropping the ball on this

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'Virginia Madsen and Michael Madsen'

I did not know they were related. I agree; what kind of family produces that ? She's friggin hot and he is just super cool.
 
...and don't forget your moderator duties and your obligatory 17.08 posts per day. You are a busy man.

No worries, I'm not going anywhere.

:beer:
 
John_Hudson said:
I think it might be an age thing.
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Not so--Everyone I took to this movie loved it regardless of age. I wasn't even supposed to be in the theater i was so young, and i enjoyed every second of it. I really admired Paul giammatti's performance, and think that it was crap he didn't even get a nomination for an Oscar. Sure, i didn't expect him to win it, but at least give the man credit, right?

Either way, something i really liked was its knack for delving into dramatic stuff, and then so easily switching back into comedic mode.

I never thought it was really hard to relate to the characters, even at my age. I don't know about you guys, but when I watched it i thought "i'm like miles, and my friends are like Jack" I mean, granted, i don't drink a lot or worry about past relationships, but I'm more of the friend that looks on at the other friend who's doing all the stuff he shouldn't be and just be passive about it. The fact that i'm not forty and failing at life didn't really play into the relating.

Anways, i thought it was exceptional. I never thought of it as comedic or dramatic, i just kinda think of it as a film. Good movies never have just one thing.
 
I suppose you're right, but I just wanted to point out that I can think of a demographic that aren't in the particular age group you mention that love the movie.

Regardless, all I'm trying to say is that I enjoyed the movie. Sorry for speaking irrelevantly.
 
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