I'm a big Paul Giamatti fan ("Duets," "American Splendor"). And I enjoyed "About Schmidt" (also directed by Alexander Payne). So, I felt relatively confident I'd enjoy "Sideways." I was completely right. In addition, Thomas Haden Church's performance as Miles' washed-up actor buddy impressed the heck out of me. I haven't really seen him since he played Lowell the mechanic on the sitcom "Wings."

This is a buddy film -- perhaps a modern reconstruction of "The Odd Couple." The sound track even taps out a swanky jazz theme reminiscent of the distinctive "Odd Couple" theme. The film employs great acting, great dialogue, good humor and strong pace (despite a road trip opening). But what's even more remarkable is its ability to endear audiences to characters that display deplorable flaws. They're real -- sometimes a little too real. Nevertheless, they charm us, just as they're drawn to each other despite they're mightily different dispositions.

A dramedy, the film broaches some important issues such as depression and fidelity, honesty, integrity, but never forgets its comedy. This mix of the serious and the quirky stirs laughter in the audience. Not slapstick; this is intelligent subtle humor. You'll laugh, you'll be appalled at their behavior, and you'll probably learn a thing or two about wine.

Director Alexander Payne says, "I am most moved by stories like SIDEWAYS that are about human beings and human nature, that are about flawed people and ambiguous moments that don't necessarily come to any neat closure. Perhaps too many films in this current era have eschewed humanity for slickness. I'm interested in revitalizing the American cinema of the 70's, with its emphasis on real people and real struggles -- and I think we desperately need human movies right now."