...the Sideways train.

Last year in Feburary I said that Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind probably was going to end up not being eclipsed by any movie I saw in 2004. Well, because of a technicality, sickness, and inventory I didn't see Sideways until today, January 1, 2005 .

But yeah. It is clearly the best picture of the year. I was going into it today expecting to hate it like About Schmidt or to think it was overrated. And it very nearly, nearly derails itself near the end (sometimes you have to go close to ruining something in order to make it all the better).

I think there is a lot of people out there who are upset that Sideways is getting all the love from critics, but its getting applause in the audience I saw it with. Heck, you can read pages of it at Oscarwatch, along with a interesting but otherwise pointless A.O. Scott article.

I just think it's a Shawshank Redemption... it's a movie that really hones in on male insecurity and an element of male fantasy. Although, I think Sideways is fairly realistic. I don't think it is out of reach for most men emotionally.

And oh my god, the scene with Mia while she's telling Paul Giamatti's character about how she got into wine is one of the most erotic scenes of the year.

While I may not share the same thoughts on the movie overall. Well, for me, it's the 7th best of the year. which is still DAMNNN good.

But... I have to agree with you in that the scene with Mia and her talking about wine to Miles is one of the best scenes in any movie this year. That scene made Madsen win all these critics stuff and nods.

So now that you are brainwahsed Sideways.... :wink:

Are you willing to open the possibility, only the mere possibility of Sideways having a realistic chance of winning Best Picture, the long awaited triumph of the independent film???

There is a *possibility* of Sideways or Million Dollar Baby winning (no other picture, at all, other than Aviator), but no, I still think The Aviator will win. The Aviator is too strong with the techs and I think Scorsese will have his Best Director award, and by default, I tend to vote against splits happening.

Sideways isn't exactly an indie any more than Finding Neverland (Miramax) is

I loved Giamatti (can never spell that) and Madsen. Church was good but in a stronger year he would easily be buried. Oh was great (but role really small!).