The Heroes Next Door

I heard of this film after it had already blown by. I became interested in the awkward period between theater and video. It sounded interesting, and I’m a big fan of both Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church, (Wings representing!) Anyway, there’s not much a story attached my relation to the film. I waiting for it, then saw it. And I must say, it lived up to my expectations and was a very enjoyable film.

The film concern Miles (Paul Giamatti.) Miles is an English professor, and the textbook definition of a man going through a midlife crisis. He split with his wife Victoria, who’s now married to another man, and he is having trouble selling his novel, which he has spent quite a few years on. Another big part of his life is that Miles is a dedicated wine enthusiast. Miles best friend Jack, (Thomas Haden Church) is about to be married, and Miles is the best man. Miles and Jack decide that they should go on a road trip. One last round of fun and freedom before Jack is shackled down with the cold, harsh steel of marriage. Miles and Jack take off on a journey through wine country. Miles in interested in sampling wine and playing gold. Jack is interested in such things as well, but he is also preoccupied with another goal. Like anyone about to take a dive into the alter Jack wants one last batch of fun with some women. Jack also is convinced that Miles needs to do the same. Our two heroes wind up meeting up with two women. One is Maya, (Virginia Madsen), to whom Miles is already acquainted. The other is Stephanie, (Sandra Oh). The four of them hit it off, and Jack gets busy. Miles, however, talks to Maya about his book, and his favorite subject, wine. Maya is also an enthusiast, so she and Miles have plenty to talk about.

As the story progresses the characters get more and more real before your eyes. You really get to the point where you really care for them. This is because at heart, they are real people. I can see myself in them, and I think most do. They are not super heroes, they are human beings. Jack and Miles are likeable for different reasons. Miles is more sympathetic, because his life is in a drag at this point, and you believe his depression. Jack is a very charismatic character who you like, because he’s a fun character. Also, he is a good friend to Miles, and you can really understand him.

The acting is fantastic. Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church work perfectly together. Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh also give great performances. This film is not just recommended for movie fans, but wine enthusiasts as well. Director Alexander Payne did plenty of research in selecting the wine list, and novel author Rex Pickett, who wrote the book that this film is based on, also knew what he was talking about. The film goes into the beauty and wonder of wine including an excellent speech by Miles about the greatness of Pinot, and my personal favorite line: “I am NOT drinking any f_ucking Merlot!”

The score is great, and gives the movie the perfect feel. A lot of people who didn’t like the film said, ‘Don’t believe the hype’, which is very inaccurate. When I think hype I think of not being able to turn on the TV without seeing an add for the film. Or having every conversation start with, ‘did you see, etc.” The reaction to this film wasn’t a product of hype, but of an entertaining independent film getting the good reviews and response that it deserves.
So do yourself a favor and feed the movie and wine lover inside of you and see Sideways. An in depth look at wine, friends