Sideways

Sideways marks the latest collaboration between Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, and though it’s overlong by about 20 minutes, the film likely marks their best work to date. The simple premise involves two buddies, a washed out actor named Jack (Thomas Haden Church) and Miles (Paul Giamatti), a struggling novelist, who head out for a week of fun before Jack gets married. It doesn’t come as much of a surprise that Giamatti delivers an amazing performance, considering he’s been stealing scenes for years. But it really is remarkable just how effective he is in this role; in Giamatti’s hands, Miles becomes someone that’s far more intriguing and complex than he might’ve appeared on the page (this is a actor who can say so much with just a raised eyebrow). Likewise, Church (primarily known for his role as Lowell on the sitcom Wings) more than holds his own opposite Giamatti; there’s certainly nothing in his body of work indicating this level of talent. But what really makes the film work is the chemistry between the performers, which is evident right from the get-go. As a result, the movie does suffer a little bit when they’re separated during the movie’s midsection. Still, it’s hard to complain given that Giamatti’s never been better and Payne’s playful sense of direction perfectly complements the droll screenplay.

*** out of ****