This is a film about human beings who can be flawed and prickly but if you go a little deeper, you will see beauty. This is a wonderfully written script, with a great performance by Paul Giamatti.

| May 18, 2020

Full Review | Apr 3, 2012

Payne does know how to capture two kinds of male menopause. But I can't say he ever surprised me.

| Feb 13, 2012

Excellent but explicit movie is not for kids.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 28, 2010

Sideways stays resolutely life-size. And that, in this age of hype and hyperventilation, may be the most radical thing about it.

| Nov 1, 2007

Brilliantly observed characters are becoming second nature to Payne and Taylor, and the performances here are uniformly terrific. This is wonderful, original stuff.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Apr 1, 2006

A study of friendship, disappointment and self-deception, Sideways, directed by Alexander Payne, has at its centre the most leisurely of bachelor parties: it's a road movie that stops off at vineyards.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 17, 2006

Intelligent, funny and moving.

| May 21, 2005

Maintains a deft balance between breezy joviality and understated poignancy.

| May 4, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Mar 6, 2005

Very funny and very sad, Sideways is smashing.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 25, 2005

Richer, headier, and more complex, just like a fine wine. Among multiplexes filled with the movie equivalent of generic brand cola, this is a rare movie for grown-ups.

Full Review | Original Score: A- | Jan 4, 2005

This isn't the sort of road comedy we're used to seeing. Its humor is more likely to provoke smiles and light chuckles than guffaws.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 12, 2004

The acting is superb, from the free-spirited Oh to the compassionate Madsen to the irresponsible Church. The standout is Giamatti.

Full Review | Original Score: A- | Nov 11, 2004

A smart and delightful romantic comedy.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Nov 7, 2004

Sideways, based on a fine novel by Rex Pickett, is at once a literate comedy, a subtle examination of grown-up romance and a touching study of friendship.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Nov 5, 2004

From its first minutes, maybe even from the credits, you know you are seeing something very special.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Nov 5, 2004

Sideways is one of those films that's a bit too good to review: It strikes a unique tone, blends a bit of tall-tale fun with everyday life, and pretty much hits every note in your psyche.

Full Review | Original Score: A | Nov 5, 2004

With each new film, Payne and Taylor plane the edges of their wit. Yet this growing maturity merely buffs their work; it's not dulled one bit.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Nov 5, 2004

As character study, as exercise in American ambiance or, simply as an entertaining movie, Sideways triumphs.

| Original Score: A | Nov 4, 2004