Sideways

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2:24

Sideways

R

Released Oct 22, 2004

2h 6m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

230 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Struggling writer and wine enthusiast Miles (Paul Giamatti) takes his engaged friend, Jack (Thomas Haden Church), on a trip to wine country for a last single-guy bonding experience. While Miles wants to relax and enjoy the wine, Jack is in search of a fling before his wedding. Soon Jack is sleeping with Stephanie (Sandra Oh), while her friend Maya (Virginia Madsen) connects with Miles. When Miles lets slip that Jack is getting married, both women are furious, sending the trip into disarray.

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Critics Consensus

Charming, thoughtful, and often funny, Sideways is a decidedly mature road trip comedy full of excellent performances.

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Anupama Chopra

Film Companion

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

Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

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

Feb 13, 2012

Full Review

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Excellent but explicit movie is not for kids.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 28, 2010

Full Review

Rachel Wagner

Hallmarkies Podcast

a solid film. Very well acted

Apr 7, 2025

Full Review

Dan Buffa

Ramble On With Buffa (Substack)

My favorite scene in the film is an emotionally flattened Miles chowing down on a burger and fries while he pours a vintage bottle of wine into a Styrofoam cup while wearing a tux in a fast food shop. Giamatti made you feel all of it.

Dec 29, 2024

Full Review

Allison Rose

FlickDirect

Giamatti, although overlooked by the Academy, serves as the emotional anchor of the film, holding its narrative together with his compelling performance.

Rated: 5/5

Oct 22, 2024

Full Review

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Matheus F

A movie where Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church and Virginia Madsen shine in every scene. The script is gold.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/01/25

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David M

It's been a long time - maybe 20 or so years - since I saw this now much-loved comedy-drama about two friends going for a holiday in California's wine country the week before one of them is married. It's rightly celebrated for a brilliant script, and its deft insights into friendship, relationships and the mid-life crisis. Paul Giamatti is, of course, brilliant, and I'd forgotten that the always wonderful Sandra Oh plays such a key role. I was less sure about Thomas Haden Church's performance, which to me just doesn't quite work. But it's hard to take against this endearing, warm-spirited and genuinely funny film. Giamatti makes the material sing, and he's a pleasure to watch in every frame he's in.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/28/25

Full Review

michael f

Hilarious. Relateable. Can rewatch and enjoy.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/18/25

Full Review

Stephen C

Funny in 2 hours and 6 minutes!!!!!!!!!! Rated R for Nudity, Language and Some Strong Sexual Content!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/08/25

Full Review

jacob c

Sideways is at once heartfelt and hilarious, crude and genuinely touching, with help from its great performances and chemistry.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/02/25

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Fernando D

Interesting movie with a confuse end. Excellent photography and a fantastic production Paul Giamatti doing and excellent role. Recomended

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/01/25

Full Review

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Alexander Payne

Director

Paul Giamatti

Miles Raymond

Thomas Haden Church

Jack Lopate

Virginia Madsen

Maya

Sandra Oh

Stephanie

Marylouise Burke

Miles' Mother

Cousin Bette

41%

45%

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7%

49%

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48%

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Sideways: Trailer 1

2:24

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Synopsis

Struggling writer and wine enthusiast Miles (Paul Giamatti) takes his engaged friend, Jack (Thomas Haden Church), on a trip to wine country for a last single-guy bonding experience. While Miles wants to relax and enjoy the wine, Jack is in search of a fling before his wedding. Soon Jack is sleeping with Stephanie (Sandra Oh), while her friend Maya (Virginia Madsen) connects with Miles. When Miles lets slip that Jack is getting married, both women are furious, sending the trip into disarray.

Director: Alexander Payne
Producer: Michael London, George Parra
Screenwriter: Rex Pickett, Alexander Payne
Distributor: Fox
Production Co: Fox Searchlight, Michael London Productions
Rating: R (Nudity|Language|Some Strong Sexual Content)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 22, 2004, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 2, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $71.5M
Runtime: 2h 6m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SRD
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)

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